WORCESTER Samaritans have been inundated with calls from people worried about the terrorist attacks on America and the possible repercussions.

Charity officials have spoken with dozens needing to talk about the atrocity at the World Trade Centre and the way it has made them feel.

"Many of the callers are concerned about what's going to happen over here," said Eric Rowland, director of the city's branch.

"This sort of incident upsets a lot of people, and many who have called us are worried about the start of World War Three."

He said that the organisation has taken a huge number of calls nationwide from people worried about loved ones.

They have also talked about the horror of the attacks on the twin towers in New York, as well as the Pentagon, in Washington, and a hijacked airliner which crashed in rural eastern Pennsylvania on Tuesday last week.

Worcester MP Michael Foster spent more than an hour on a fact-finding trip to the charity yesterday.

"The meeting was very productive," added Mr Rowland.

Last week, the Samaritans made a call for new volunteers to help cope with the increased number of calls.

Sixteen people answered a plea for volunteers, but 15 more are needed. Anyone interested should call 01905 21121.