A project which involves volunteers patrolling the town centre helping vulnerable people on nights out is celebrating a first year of success.

The Street Angels scheme, run by a partnership of local churches, was launched last summer to support the emergency services and licensees with revellers who have drunk too much.

In pairs and wearing reflective jackets volunteers patrol the pubs, bars and clubs on a Saturday night from 10.30pm to 3am.

Trained in conflict management, first aid and drugs and alcohol awareness, volunteers also have direct radio contact with CCTV operators who alert the police or paramedics in emergencies.

The scheme has come to the aid of hundreds of people since it was launched last June.

It has been seen as so successful that organisers want to expand the service, but need more volunteers to do so.

Pip Mosscrop, volunteer co-ordinator, said: “A year on, we look back with joy, and no little relief, that it has all gone so well.

“We have been delighted that Street Angels, out late in the small area of the town which is home to the late-night clubs and pubs, have been universally well-received – especially by those out on the town having a good time.

“We are now well recognised, and much appreciated, by both young and not-so-young revellers.

“It is heartening to be asked by a doorman or a police officer to come to the aid of a person in need of help.

“Many of them are grandparents, some in their 70s, and as such are treated with respect and warmth by those out on the town.”

The volunteers come from eight different churches in the town and are based at the United Reformed Church in Park Green, just round the corner from the main strip of bars and clubs.

Pip, 67, of Springhill, Macclesfield, said: “We are in constant contact both by radio and on the street cameras with the CCTV operation centre.

“Volunteers have found this degree of surveillance comforting; it has also made it possible for us to alert the police to significant incidents.

“We hope that we are making some impact on crime and antisocial behaviour in our town; certainly the police indicate we are helping by providing a calming and concerned presence on the streets late at night.

“Our reports reflect the variety of occasions when we have been able to help reduce tension and support individuals who are in need.”

A typical example of how the Street Angels have helped was when a patrol found a woman on Park Green who was too drunk to tell her husband where she was on her phone.

Pip said: “The patrol gave directions to her husband and sat with her until he arrived.”

The scheme has the support of Macclesfield MP David Rutley, who praised its reassuring presence in Parliament earlier this year, and the town inspector Steve Griffiths.

Insp Griffiths said: “The Street Angels have become a regular and very welcome sight on the streets of Macclesfield at the weekends.

“They are very much a friendly face to turn to if members of the public need help or support and have become a real positive influence on revellers young an old.”

Pip added: “We would like to be on the streets for at least two evenings each week and are now asked by the police to cover additional evenings around holiday times.

“We have a range of ages on patrol, but would also really like some younger volunteers to come forward.”

If you want to get involved in the project call Pip on 07715 495701 or email streetangelsmacclesfield@yahoo.co.uk

The project will be celebrating its first birthday with an event at the United Reformed Church, Park Green, Macclesfield, on Tuesday, June 4, at 7.30pm.

There will be a briefing with the police and the head of the CCTV operations centre.