WINCHESTER Street Pastors have been given a 'helping foot' by Hampshire Police.

The constabulary provided the pastors with 200 pairs of flip flops and personal attack alarms to help them during late night patrols.

Pastors, based at St Peter's Church, Jewry Street, go out late at night in teams of six from Thursday to Saturday offering support to anyone in need, such as replacement footwear, first aid or water.

Sgt Richard Holland, Partnerships and Community Safety sergeant for Winchester and East Hampshire, praised the pastors for their impact in the city.

He said: “I was a bit sceptical at first but having seen them in action I realised they can be a shoulder to cry on and a voice of reason and get people out of trouble. They are so approachable and prevent a lot of violent crime.”

Winchester pastor coordinator Mark Hibbert-Hingston said the new equipment would be a great help.

He said: “It's a boost in two ways. First in a non tangible way it's a demonstration of police support for us and they are putting their money where their mouth is. We have considered buying personal attack alarms before so to be given them saves us some money and is a real bonus.”

Twelve new pastors will be commissioned at a ceremony at Christ Church, Christchurch Road, on May 11, bringing the total number up to 64 street pastors and 26 prayer pastors, who stay behind during patrols offering prayers for anyone in need.