A GROUP of dedicated individuals who help protect people on nights out have celebrated a milestone.

Basingstoke Street Pastors honoured 10 years of operations on Friday with a special service at the United Reformed Church, in London Street.

Street pastors patrol the town every Friday and Saturday night, working venue owners, their staff and the police to care, help be available to support anyone in need of aid.

This can include supporting vulnerable people; helping those who have had too much to drink; providing first aid and first-on-scene support; calming and diffusing potentially aggressive or volatile situations.

Phil Thomas, chair of the Basingstoke Street Pastors Management Group said: “This is a massive achievement and a reflection of the fantastic work done by a dedicated group of volunteers from churches across Basingstoke.

"The work of Street Pastors is unseen by much of the population of the town, but helps to keep revellers safe, protects the vulnerable and helps diffuse potentially aggressive situations.

"They have a record of service of which they can be justly proud."

Dignitaries who attended the celebration event included deputy mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Councillor Diane Taylor; Basingstoke MP Maria Miller; the founder of Street Pastors UK, the Rev Les Isaac OBE; Hampshire and Isle of Wight police and crime commissioner Michael Lane; Basingstoke area police commander Chief Inspector Matt Reeves and The Bishop of Basingstoke Rev Canon David Williams.

In the ten years since Basingstoke Street Pastors started work, over 1,500 situations have been calmed and 2,250 vulnerable people supported.

Over 8,000 pairs of flip flops have been distributed to female revellers to protect their bare feet, and 14,000 bottles and broken glasses have been recovered.

A further 470 people have benefitted from the Safe Hub scheme, established to provide a place of safety to anyone vulnerable, hurting or sick from over-indulgence.