ILFRACOMBE has now officially launched its innovative Street Pastors scheme — leading the way as the first community in North Devon to adopt the approach.

Street Pastors, the brainchild of the Ascension Trust, operate in communities across the UK.

They are members of local churches who patrol the streets during the evening, helping anyone, from late night revellers to dog walkers, to feel safe at night.

The scheme has been launched this week, by the Ilfracombe Faith Advisory Group, in association with Transform, the neighbourhood management programme for North Devon.

Rory McDonald, deputy manager at Transform, said: "The aim of the street patrols is not to tackle crime head on, but to help people feel safer on the streets, particularly at night.

"Street Pastors get to know people in the community building relationships with them to find out their needs and what can be done to help them."

A spokesman from the Ascension Trust said: "The role is not about preaching heaven and hell, but one of listening, caring and helping — working in an unconditional way."

The launch was attended by more than 100 people and was held at the Lantern Centre, Ilfracombe.

Mayor Geoff Fowler said: "It was fantastic to see the Great Hall brought to life by the church community, the town council fully supports and endorses this initiative and will help in way they can."

A community strategy officer for Devon County Council also attended the launch event and said: "I found the evening truly inspirational. The churches of Ilfracombe and the surrounding area are demonstrating incredible commitment to their fellow citizens and show that the solutions to problems in communities often lie in the hands of their residents.

"Working alongside the statutory service providers, I am sure this scheme will make Ilfracombe even safer. I wish the volunteers and their supporters every success."

Mr McDonald added: "The support has been amazing. But now the hard work starts. Training with the 24 Street Pastor trainees starts on November 1. Keep an eye out for them out on the streets in December."