CHURCH volunteers aiming to make the streets of Weymouth safer at night are now equipped for their mission.

They have been presented with medical packs and will soon be undergoing basic training led by town paramedic James Ryan.

The uniformed street pastors will initially patrol on Fridays from 10pm-4am, beginning on June 13.

They will offer support and advice to anyone who needs it, and could be involved in guiding drunken clubbers to a taxi, reuniting people with friends and even treating minor injuries.

Mr Ryan knows how challenging the streets can be at weekends, so will be ensuring the volunteers are prepared.

He said: "I'll be giving advice on what sort of things they're likely to come across and how they should deal with people that appear injured or vulnerable.

"As part of that I'll be explaining how best they can assist before the arrival of an ambulance.

"The sort of injuries they'll be dealing with will probably be drink-related so bleeds, head injuries, glass in wounds, things like that."

Mr Ryan added: "There's a lot of people around at weekends - whether in pubs or clubs, or children drinking in the streets.

"It's a big strain on our resources so any scheme that supports our work is welcome."

Medical packs have been provided by Weymouth firm Medisave. Product manager Matt Denton said: "I used to be a Special Constable and some of my colleagues are still on the force so we know what it's like on the streets at night.

"We're delighted to sponsor this."

The Rev Tony Stephens from St Andrew's Church and the Rev Jim Thorneycroft from Radipole United Reformed Church are co-ordinating the Weymouth street pastor scheme.

"If people ask about faith issues we'll be happy to answer questions but we're not going out to preach. We're living out our faith rather than selling it," said Mr Thorneycroft.

Mr Stephens said: "We realise it's going to be quite a challenge and there are some risks involved but we hope training will help volunteers be as prepared as possible.

"We are purely a pastoral presence - nothing more. Having said that, in other parts of the country the scheme has helped to reduce crime because people are less likely to kick off if we're around."

As well as South Western Ambulance, the street pastors have received training and support from Dorset Police, Weymouth Rough Sleepers Initiative, Dorset Drug Intervention Programme, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and Waves.