An 84-year-old Samaritan who uses text messages and email to lend a comforting presence to people in distress has been nominated as an unsung hero.

Dick, from Surbiton – Samaritans use only first names – has volunteered at the St Andrew’s Road centre since it opened 45 years ago.

He manned the phones for many years before switching to text-based contact with people who needed his help.

He said: “My voice has gone a bit and my hearing is not too good, so I mostly text now.

“It has made quite a change, particularly for younger people who do not call us.

“I thought it was something I could do to help people.”

And he said the support of fellow volunteers was valuable after talking with callers.

He said: “Two people are on at a time and you can debrief to each other. That is one of the pleasant things about it – you enjoy duty together.

“People will talk to us because we are confidential.

“You do not know your successes, because they do not call back.

“Some people thank you and it is nice when it happens, but you do not expect it.”

His colleague and deputy manager for recruitment, Ursula, said he was “everything any Samaritan would wish to be.”

She said: “He did not even have a computer at home. When he was 80 or 82 he learned how to do emails.

“He is very empathetic and to see someone like him, who has been here so long and is so wise...I think everybody just admires him.”

Fellow listener, Jez, said: “He has been doing it for such a long time, when you work with him he is a fountain of knowledge.

“He has heard it all, so if you have a problem, or if you do not know how to deal with a call, he knows the answer straight away.”

To get in touch with the Kingston Samaritans, call 020 8399 6676 or drop in at 12 St Andrew’s Road, Surbiton.

Samaritans lend an ear to those in emotional distress, but do not give advice.

Do you know an unsung hero? Call the newsdesk on 020 8744 4273 or email jon.sharman@london.newsquest.co.uk