Yarmouth partygoers' success

Late-night partygoers in Great Yarmouth were given a helping hand from a team of Christian volunteers at the weekend.

The town's street pastor scheme was launched on Saturday night and saw the 10 volunteers offer help and advice to revellers leaving the resort's pubs, clubs and bars.

Based at the Park Baptist Church, in Crown Road, the street pastors are supported by the town's police and have been trained to give drink and drug advice.

Stephen Jones, organiser of Yarmouth's street pastors, said that the scheme was well received. “It went fantastically well. It has been a long time coming to Yarmouth, so it is great to finally be up and running.

“There were a lot of people about as it was Halloween and one of the main things we did was give out flip flops to girls who had taken off their high heels.

There is always broken glass around and you only need to stand on a little bit to do some damage.”

He added: “As well as working with the police and St John's Ambulance, we went and spoke to the door staff at the clubs and bars. They were really positive and will be key to what we want to do because they are at the frontline. They often see girls outside looking vulnerable, so now that they know who we are and what we're about, they can ask us for help.”

The launch of the Yarmouth street pastors follows successful schemes in Norwich and Dereham, in which Christian volunteers help those in trouble.

Mr Jones said: “We're not there to preach to people. As Christians, we are setting an example by helping others and serving the community.”

The Yarmouth street pastors will be out on November 21, December 19 and 31. Anyone who wants to become a street pastor can contact Mr Jones on 07894 864634. Applicants must be over 18 and a regular churchgoer.