The headteacher was explaining to the children what parables were and how they taught us all how to lead better lives. Next to him sat the chairman of governors, the local vicar.

The headteacher opened a large red- covered Bible and read: "A man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves who stripped him, beat him, robbed him and left him for dead.

"A priest came along, and when he saw the man he turned away and passed by on the other side."

The children then all stared at the vicar who looked somewhat embarrassed.

The headteacher continued: "And then along the road came a Levite and when he saw the man and heard his groans and cries for help, he too passed by on the other side.

"The third to come along that day was a certain Samaritan and when he saw the man he had compassion and went to him and took him to an inn where the man's wounds were bound.

"The next day, the Samaritan gave the innkeeper money and told him to take care of the man and whatever else he spent on him he would be repaid on his next visit."

The headteacher continued to say that the Samaritan had given his name to an organisation dedicated to helping those in trouble, where volunteers at the end of a telephone offer a compassionate and friendly ear to those in need.

I was thinking of this parable last week when I addressed the members of Doncaster Branch of the Samaritans. Doncaster is one of more than 200 branches which operate seven days a week throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Last year, 16,500 volunteers dealt with five-and-a-half million calls, 140,000 emails and 90,000 texts, plus letters and callers to the door. These volunteers give around two million hours of listening.

I was saddened to hear that the numbers of calls have increased greatly in recent years, and many more were received from distressed young people.

The Doncaster volunteers ranged in age from 20 to 80 and I have rarely met such a group of committed, good-humoured and enthusiastic people.

At a time when there appears so much selfishness in the world, it is heartening to know that there are those who do not pass by on the other side.

At the conclusion of the assembly about the Good Samaritan, the headteacher pointed to a small boy who sat cross-legged on the front row. His eyes were like chapel hat pegs.

"And what would you say to Jesus, Darren," he asked, holding high the red-backed Bible like some preacher of old, "if he were to walk into the hall this morning?"

The boy thought for a moment, then raised his hand and announced very loudly:

"I'd give 'im that book, Mester Smith, and I'd say, 'Jesus Christ – this is your life!'"