Cullum takes on Samaritans role

The singer has supported the Samaritans' work for several years

Singer Jamie Cullum has become a Young Ambassador for Samaritans to help raise funds and awareness of the charity.

Cullum has supported the charity for several years and has already raised £12,000 through collections at concerts and donations on his website.

"I have considered Samaritans one of my favourite charities for a long time," said the 26-year-old jazz musician.

"It's good that younger people in society can do something positive to support such a worthwhile cause."

Cullum said he was looking forward "to being an active and involved Young Ambassador", especially, he added, "when the young are also one of the higher risk groups when it comes to emotional support".

In recent years Samaritans - which was set up in 1953 - rebranded its image in an attempt to appeal to anyone suffering emotional troubles as well as those feeling suicidal.

It launched an e-mail service - [e-mail] - to run alongside its 24-hour helpline.