Luke, a recently-retired guide dog of Mansfield Samaritans volunteer Martin Armes, has not only retired as a guide dog but also as a Samaritan volunteer.

Luke was given a membership number when he started and a ceremonial farewell and treat when he retired.

The guide dog accompanied Martin to and from the Mansfield and District branch of the Samaritans for nine years and waited while Martin completed his four-hour shift on the telephones.

Martin said: “The journey to the branch was the first route that Luke learned.”

Martin has been a Samaritan for 21 years and Luke is one of a number of dogs that have accompanied him to the branch. Martin continues to be a Samaritan volunteer and has just been introduced to his next guide and Samaritan dog.

The Samaritans is currently recruiting volunteers to support the five million calls per year received by its 201 branches nationally. There are 21,000 volunteers nationally who support callers every day. No previous experience is necessary and full training will be given to would-be volunteers.

Email [email protected] or telephone/text 07527952111 for details. A Samaritan will speak to you and invite you to attend an information session so you can decide whether to continue to become a volunteer.

Luke is pictured receiving his retirement gift from Kris, director of Mansfield and District Samaritans.