Town pastors recruited in Suffolk Coastal

More than 20 new town pastors have been recruited to help assist the police and local communities in making streets safer in Suffolk.

The new recruits from local churches in the Felixstowe and Woodbridge areas will be given training before going out into towns.

They provide support and care to residents and visitors who may find themselves in a vulnerable state.

The scheme is being backed by Suffolk Coastal District Council.

District councillor Sherrie Green, chair of the Community Safety Partnership Board, said: "The town pastors are a great addition to our town centres at night, offering a caring supportive service."

The latest group of volunteers will be going out into the community in August, and will receive training in drug misuse and alcohol misuse.

Town pastor schemes operate across Suffolk including in the county town of Ipswich.