A new electronic helpline has been set up to make it easier for people to share their problems with expert advisers over the Christmas period.

Depressed people reluctant to pick up the phone to contact the Samaritans, can now pour their feelings into emails instead.

The Brighton, Hove and District branch of the Samaritans has introduced the service just in time for Christmas, which is their busiest period of the year.

Workers believe some people may be reluctant to use the service as they want to be able to preserve their anonymity.

But potential users have been promised all email addresses will be kept hidden, even from the volunteers answering them, thanks to software at the charity's head office.

People wanting help will also get a response within 24 hours.

The branch was given £700 by Barclays Bank to offer the service in a bid to reach out to more vulnerable people.

The bank has donated £500,000 nationwide for the scheme.

Branch director Mary said: "We have found it can be easier for some people to express distressed feelings through the written word rather than speaking about them."

Anyone needing help can contact Samaritans at any time of day by calling 01273 772277 or 08457 909090, or by emailing jo@samaritans.org The Samaritans office at 102 Clarendon Road in Hove can also be visited between 10am and 10pm any day of the week.