A SCHEME set up to steer Minehead's late-night revellers away from trouble celebrates its second anniversary this weekend - with a visit from the founder of the national initiative driving it.

The Rev Les Isaac helped the town's 'street pastors' mark their milestone with a special service at Minehead Baptist Church last night (Thursday).

He is chief executive of the Ascension Trust which launched the Street Pastors scheme nationally in 2003 in response to gun and knife crime in Britain's urban areas.

In Minehead, the scheme's 20 volunteers help diffuse and reduce alcohol-fuelled late night violence.

But co-ordinator Barbara Tunningley said they do so much more.

Although the £200 cost of training, providing a uniform and getting each pastor onto the street is funded by the town's churches, preaching is not on the agenda.

"There is still a misconception that we walk the streets trying to preach," she said.

"But that is completely opposite of what street pastors do."

In the last year Minehead Street Pastors have:

l Worked 1,792 hours on Saturdays from 10pm to 3am.

l Picked up 1,342 bottles and glasses.

l Given out 187 pairs of flip-flops.

l Supplied 82 bottles of water.

l Calmed or assisted in 38 instances of aggressive behaviour.

l Supported 73 vulnerable people.

l Assisted in 48 instances of anti-social behaviour.

"We have also administered first aid, got people home safely and met hundreds of people," said Mrs Tunningley.

"We have had snow, endless rain, gale force winds, occasional sunshine and just about everything in between.

"This is just a selection of what we have faced but in the midst of the difficult conditions, we have experienced love and thanks.

"The thanks have been for our offerings of comfort, support and assistance, for handing out flip-flops, water, tissues, plasters, blankets, sweets and a lot of caring words and hugs.

"It has been a very rewarding time and has certainly had more ups than downs.

"Minehead is a lovely part of the world in which to live and its night time revellers have on the whole reinforced that view."

Mrs Tunningley said the success of the scheme was also due to the support of the police and local authorities, as well as 'prayer pastors' - a group of people who pray for the pastors on the streets.

"We are looking forward to an exciting future where more of those we encounter will know that we are approachable and where we will continue to be received as part of the natural Minehead night scene," she said.

Anyone interested in becoming a street pastor or helping with the work of the scheme can contact Mrs Tunningley on 07581 523421 or email [email protected]">[email protected].