Olympic gold medal cyclist Sir Chris Hoy MBE attended an opening ceremony of a different kind today when he cut the ribbon of the new Samaritans office in Macclesfield.

The low-key event outside the office on King Edward Street was also attended by some of the 90 branch volunteers, one of whom is Sir Chris' wife, Sarra Hoy.

He told Macclesfield Nub News: "There are a couple of reasons why I'm here, one being my wife is a listening volunteer and has been for many years, so that's my link to this particular branch. I've been an ambassador for a Scottish mental health charity called SAMH for 10 or 11 years now, so I'm a big advocate for mental health.

"What the Samaritans do is absolutely vital and never more so than right now. We're in the middle of a pandemic and an awful lot of mental health issues have come out in that environment. The work the guys are doing here and around the country is absolutely crucial."

Volunteers at the new office take calls from people across the country who are in need of emotional support, day and night.

Sir Chris described it as "very positive" that the new branch is opening so they can continue to support people in need as the impact of the pandemic continues to unfold.

The charity has moved from its old office on Boden Street, where it was based for 30 years.

The branch director, George Blackledge, said: "The new premises at King Edward Street provide a more flexible layout, better accessibility and a more supportive environment for our volunteers".

The new office comprises of a face-to-face meeting room, operations room and large training and general meeting facility. It will allow the Macclesfield branch to continue to contribute to the national charity's efforts, as volunteers answer calls from people in distress or despair every six seconds.

David Rutley MP, who was in attendance at the ceremony, said: "I am very grateful for the vital work that our local Samaritans do to support those in emotional distress. Their new home accommodates the facilities they need to provide this support, which is a real priority in these challenging times."

Local furniture store Arighi Bianchi donated furniture to the new branch for the face-to-face drop-in area to help provide a comfortable atmosphere in the new office.

Cllr Sarah Bennett-Wake described the Samaritans as part of the "hidden army of volunteers".

"On behalf of the people of Macclesfield, I would like to thank all the volunteers and staff for all their hard work and continued kindness. In these challenging times, we all need to follow their example and actively listen with kindness," she said.

Cllr Sam Corcoran, the leader of Cheshire East Council, stressed the "need to increase support for mental health services, putting mental health on a par with physical health".

He added: "We are extremely fortunate to have such an organisation in Cheshire East and I applaud the many volunteers who give up their time – day and night – to become a listening ear for residents suffering mentally or emotionally because of the impact of this pandemic on their lives."

Further details on Samaritans of Macclesfield & District, including volunteering and fundraising information, can be found by visiting the website and the charity's shop is located in Pickford Street, near to the town's bus station.