Street pastors mark first weekend

The Street Pastors said they would not preach to people

Lincoln's new street pastors said they received a good reception during their first weekend shifts.

The church volunteers have started patrolling the city centre at weekends to talk to clubbers and help those who find themselves the worse for wear.

There are 26 people trained to give a "reassuring presence" on the street.

The Street Pastors from the city's Bailgate Methodist church said they were not there to preach, but to offer guidance, help and friendship.

A spokesman for the group said: "Generally people were very friendly and wanted to know what we are doing.

"They wanted to ask us why we are doing it and we are doing it because we want Lincoln to be better and to be peaceful.

"We want our kids to be safe - to have fun but be safe."

The pastors have received support from Lincolnshire Police and were accompanied by officers for part of the evening.

There are between 750 and 1,000 street pastors working in the UK scheme, which was set up in 2003.