A GOOD Samaritan scheme to protect vulnerable people on nights out in Taunton has taken on 14 new volunteers.

There are now a total of 70 Street Pastors in the town – two years after the initiative was launched.

The latest Christian recruits, who have completed a five-month training programme, have been awarded their blue caps.

Sgt Simon Bawler praised the role of Street Pastors on Friday and Saturday night and said they had contributed towards cutting anti-social behaviour offences by 15% over the past three years.

Taunton Street Pastors co-ordinator Adrian Prior-Sankey said: “We’re grateful to a range of benefactors who, by their verbal and financial support, are helping us to make real inroads into some of the problems arising from alcohol-related and anti-social behaviour late at night.

“Most of the people we meet are very friendly and appreciative of the concern we try and demonstrate for their well-being.

“We can’t solve everybody’s problems, but with prayer and a lot of goodwill the vast majority of the challenges we encounter are solved by the time the town is emptied of its late-night revellers.

“It’s good to have new additions to our enthusiastic team and we welcome them to the growing number of volunteers across the country who share a desire to do something positive.”

Certificates have been presented to volunteers who have completed 50 hours of formal training on issues such as child protection, first aid, youth culture, mental health, drug and alcohol awareness, homelessness and listening skills.