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The Hartlepool Town Pastors have provided a safe and reassuring presence on the streets of Hartlepool town centre on Saturday nights for over a decade.

Their work involves helping tipsy revellers into taxis at the end of the night, carrying out first aid and protecting women from harassment.

Now the Christian group has issued an appeal for some new members to add to their ranks.

A Street Angel out in Hartlepool town centre.

Terry Hegarty, Hartlepool Town Pastors chair of trustees and team leader, said: “There are about 13 people in Hartlepool who volunteer but we are struggling a little bit at the moment.

"Unfortunately, one of our team leaders fell over and broke their arm just before Christmas. Another has some carer responsibilities which all limits what we can do.”

The pastors, affectionately known as Street Angels, cover the town centre’s main nightlife hot spots from Church Street to the junction of Victoria Road and York Road.

"We’ve got a story for every doorway now,” said Terry.

Peter Richardson the Harbour of Refuge Masonic Lodge presents a cheque to Terry Hegarty and fellow Street Angels to support their work. Picture by FRANK REID

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As well as looking out for people’s safety, one of the main things they do is to provide a friendly, listening ear to people’s problems.

Terry added: “The aim is to make sure everyone who comes into the town centre goes home safe.

"That can involve first aid and practical help like getting someone a taxi or making sure a young girl is not bothered by a group of rowdy lads.

"But the majority of what we do is listening to people.

"The general public value the fact that we are out there. We’re very much the neutral face.

“The police tell us that just by being around in our hi-vis jackets it does tend to bring down tension levels.”

The street pastors are out from 11.30pm to around 3am. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one night per month.

Terry said the most important qualities new volunteers need to have are to be approachable and a good listener.

They would also need to be sympathetic to the group’s Christian ethos and a basic level of fitness is required.

Volunteers must also be aged over 18. To find out more or register your interest, contact the Hartlepool Town Pastors Facebook page.

The Hartlepool volunteers who help keep Saturday night revellers safe launch appeal to boost membership