Street Angels in Llandudno

North Wales Police has extended its family even further by recruiting its first Street Angels.

The Llandudno Street Angels are volunteers from local churches who will give up their evenings to ensure everyone can enjoy themselves during the festive period.

Armed with special jackets, hats, personal alarms torches and radios, the 12 Angels will be taking to the streets in pairs initially for six nights, from December 19 to December 31.

The Angels, who will be supported by the Neighbourhood Policing Teams, have been given basic training in first aid, conflict management and health and safety issues and they have also been given an insight into powers of arrest.

Posters and beer mats have been distributed around the pubs and clubs to make everyone aware that the Angels will be patrolling the streets between 9pm and 3am.

The idea came as a result of a connecting communities meeting in Wrexham. This developed and following advertisements in the local churches those willing to take to the streets volunteered their services.

Malcolm Bullock, church steward and worship leader at St David's Church in Craig y Don said: "This is Christian duty. We should not just be behind church walls; we should be out proving our faith. It is wonderful that we are able to assist."

Sgt Jonny Hill explained: "The idea is to help increase the safety of night time visitors to the town. By providing a highly visible reassuring presence we want to enable people to enjoy themselves."

"They will deal with low level stuff, for example giving directions, calling for taxis for anyone who is drunk or in trouble and even handing out goodie bags to the late night revellers."

The Angels will also be expected to keep a note of any crimes they witness and will be able to contact police by means of their radios.

Depending on the success of the trial, the intention is to extend it to other areas of the force.