City to get more street pastors

The street pastors offer "non-judgemental" advice

Thirteen new street pastors are to patrol the streets of Lincoln to help vulnerable people.

There are already 26 church volunteers working as street pastors in Lincoln but the new intake means patrols can take place every Friday and Saturday.

The pastors help clubbers and those out and about at the weekend by offering advice if they need counselling.

Fourteen churches in and around Lincoln are involved in the scheme, which is also offered across the UK.

Reverend Ian Brown, director of Lincoln Street Pastors, said: "It's great to think we'll be out every Friday and Saturday as we feel that our volunteers bring a calming presence to the city centre.

"There are many vulnerable people on the streets late at night and street pastors provide a friendly, caring, non-judgemental presence, offering support and assistance where possible."

There are currently more than 1,000 street pastors working nationwide.