COUNTY Hall is going green on Monday evening (July 24).

Somerset County Council's HQ in Taunton is being lit up in green in support of the work done throughout Somerset by Samaritans.

The date 24/7 is a significant as the charity which prides itself on being available to give emotional support to callers every hour of the day and night.

The scheme to light up County Hall in Samaritan colours highlights Somerset's commitment to suicide prevention and raises awareness of the support needed by so many people who are struggling to cope.

Volunteers at the Taunton branch of Samaritans, at 16 Wood Street, answered more than 40,000 calls last year, with volunteers putting in 580 hours to help people in distress or despair, including those who are suicidal.

Director of Taunton Samaritans Bob Cornes said: “Lighting up County Hall in Samaritans colours is a visual reminder of our commitment to helping those in need of emotional support.

"We hope they will call us.

"It is also a reminder for anyone out there who wants to make a real difference to people’s lives to think about joining Samaritans as a volunteer.

"It is an incredibly rewarding experience.”

Volunteers from Taunton Samaritans will be available at Taunton Station on 24/7 to talk to travellers and to collect money for the charity, which relies entirely on donations to run the branch.

County Hall was previously lit up in purple to mark Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.