The future of Havering Samaritans is assured after it raised £25,000 in a year of furious fundraising.

Now the charity, which provides confidential and emotional support in times of crisis, can look ahead once again after struggling to repay a loan to buy its home of 30 years.

Havering Council told the Samaritans at the end of 1998 that it was intending to sell off the premises following a directive from the Government.

The charity took out a £25,000 loan to buy the building, in North Street, Romford, itself. And now, after over year of fund-raising, it can breathe a huge sigh of relief, having raised the money to repay the debt.

Director of Havering Samaritans, Hazel, said: "We were in a real panic because the group has been here for 30 years. We've sent out lots of begging letters and held lots of small fundraising events, bringing in £100 here and £200 there and just seen it mount up."

Hazle only has two weeks left of her three year stint as director before she hands over to her successor, Fred.

"I feel that our primary concern should be the volunteers and the callers," she said. "But I have been so distracted by the fundraising. Hopefully Fred will have a clean start to take things forward."

Havering Samaritans has almost 100 volunteers providing support to people going through the most difficult of emotional trauma.

The Samaritans is a registered charity, founded in 1953. Any donations to Havering Samaritans should be sent to 107 North Street, Romford.

Wherever you are in the UK you can call the Samaritans on 0345 909090.

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