MENTAL health charity Mindline Somerset scooped two accolades at the Taunton Deane Volunteer of the Year Awards.

The topped the volunteer group section and were judged overall star volunteer of the year.

Mindline, which has been running in Taunton and West Somerset for 15 years and fields more than 6,000 calls a year, is staffed by volunteers between 8pmand 11pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday on 01823-276892.

It provides someone to talk to for people who feel isolated, distressed or upset and callers can be offered information about mental health and local services.

A spokesman for the charity, which has offices in Station Road, Taunton, said: "The service is provided by volunteers who are everyday people that have decided to offer their spare time to support and listen to others that may need someone to talk to when they may not have anyone they feel they can.

"All the volunteers are fully trained and supported throughout their time they give to the service, they may have an interest in mental health, survivors or personal experience helping close ones.

"We are lucky enough to have volunteers who are prepared to give their time over the festive period to support the people that call Mindline Somerset."