CHURCH-GOERS are preparing to support night-time drinkers in Wallingford after being inspired by the success of volunteers in Wantage.

Last week, Wantage’s street pastor team celebrated its first anniversary and revealed that it had helped 3,800 people during nights out.

The scheme sees members of local churches hitting the streets late at night, to offer support to revellers, in an attempt to diffuse problems caused by excessive drinking.

Churches Together Wallingford, which unites 13 places of worship, will launch its own scheme next year.

The movement also came to Oxford last month and there are calls for it to be rolled out in the east of the city.

Schemes also operate in Witney and Thame.

Chairman Neville Burt, 64, said: “People living in the town are well aware of what happens when the pubs shut.There is rowdiness until 2am and some young people go to places like the Kinecroft to carry on drinking.

“We also want to support young women who are separated from their friends and others who are vulnerable.”

He added: “We want to make it clear that this is not a preaching exercise. We will offer practical help and support.”

Already 13 volunteers have been signed up, with five more needed for the initiative, which starts at Easter.

The Rev Bernard Thompson, Pastor of Ridgeway Community Church, said: “The friendly presence of street pastors can lead to a fall in crime. This is not about bashing people over the head with the Gospels.

“We want to show people we are there to help and by doing that we can take aggression off the streets. We want people to have a good time but we know some people go too far sometimes.”

Volunteers will include grandmother Frances Willoughby, 69, who said: “I know some of the issues young people face. I’m not worried about my own safety – I just want to help young people get home safely.”