THE YEADON branch of Leeds Building Society is supporting a national "100 ways to say hello" campaign to raise money for Samaritans.

Members visiting local branches will have the opportunity to learn the word for hello in languages and dialects from around the world, as well as having the chance to win a gift hamper.

Well known greetings, such as hola, bonjour and guten tag all feature, but visitors can also learn new greetings to use in Poland, Cambodia, India and Zimbabwe.

Ryan Lumb, Branch Manager at the Yeadon branch of Leeds Building Society, said: "Samaritans is associated with being there for people in a time of need and something as simple as saying hello, encourages people to start talking, so what better way to raise money than to learn 99 new ways to say hello.

"Our members can get involved by visiting our branch and entering the 100 ways to say hello competition with a chance of winning a hamper full of treats."

Matthew Lock, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Samaritans said: "It’s brilliant to see so many creative fundraising activities running to support us. The partnership has only just kicked off and we’ve been overwhelmed with the Society’s effort to raise awareness of the service that we offer to anyone who needs to talk."

The national fundraising campaign forms part of Leeds Building Society’s charity partnership with Samaritans, which aims to raise £250,000 for the charity that provides emotional support to people.