MORE than 1,600 people in the Bolton area who contacted The Samaritans last year were suicidal.

Yet, a report during Samaritans Week this week reveals that the public attitude to suicide remains "negative and unsympathetic."

Every year in the UK, up to 7,000 people take their own lives - a figure almost 25 per cent higher than the annual death toll on the roads. One in five of the population has experienced the suicide of someone close.

In Bolton for the second year running, more calls were received from men than women, in line with the 63 per cent increase in the rate of suicide in young men aged between 15 and 24 years of age.

Bolton Samaritans say they want to help change some of the attitudes surrounding suicide and depression.

"Suicide remains a taboo subject," said a spokeswoman. "But some people seem to think that suicides are selfish, thinking only of themselves. "That is definitely not The Samaritans' attitude. We are here to help people in distress know that there is someone always there for them."

They provide a 24-hour listening service that operates 365 days a year. "Calls are confidential and callers are not judged or told what to do," she added.

But, the service costs £40 a day to run and relies on donations. A Flag Day on Saturday in Victoria Square will boost this cash, but the local branch always needs financial help.

They also need volunteers, who are carefully selected and trained, and as part of Samaritans Week nationally, the Bolton group is holding an Open Day on Friday at their Bark Street East headquarters from 11am to 4pm, then 6pm to 10pm. The Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton, Cllr Eric Johnson and Mrs Ida Johnson, will be guests from 12 noon to 1.30pm. There will be displays and information about the Samaritans' work, their funding, and the training packages available for organisations, schools and businesses.

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