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A group that helps drunken revellers in the city centre says it needs to recruit extra volunteers in time for Hull's year as UK City of Culture. Hull Street Angels Trinity hit the street on a Friday and Saturday night, offering non-judgmental help and advice to anyone who needs it. Nick Middleton, a trustee, says the registered charity needs to add to its current volunteer base of 23. He said: "One thing we noticed after this year's Pride and Freedom Festival was that people tended to spill out into the city centre and they needed our support. It was clear then that we needed more volunteers. "With City of Culture just around the corner, there will be more night-time activity. Because of this, we need to recruit at least 10 more volunteers." Volunteers are based alongside the civic CCTV camera control room in the city centre. Its location is not revealed for security reasons. "We ask our volunteers to commit to one 9pm to 2am shift - a Friday or a Saturday night - each month," said Mr Middleton. "Our volunteers are enormously committed and some will complete two or more shifts a month." Teams patrol key night spots, armed with sick bowls, bottles of water, flip-flops, foil blankets and lollipops. "We'll hand out flip flops to women who might be struggling to walk in their heels after a night out," said Mr Middleton. "Water is there to help re-hydrate. Foil blankets are occasionally used to help preserve women's modesty. "The idea of handing out lollipops came from Humberside Police. With a lollipop in their mouth, people who might have had too much to drink are more likely to be quiet and listen to advice. "We're there to help ensure people get home safely. We'll even walk people to taxi ranks." Volunteers are also equipped with radios linked to Hull's CCTV operators. "They've never needed to call for back-up," said Mr Middleton. "But it's reassuring to know help can be brought to volunteers quickly, if required." Hull Street Angels Trinity - initially based at Holy Trinity Church in the old town - formed just over four years ago. In that time, Mr Middleton says over 3,500 people have been helped by the volunteers. "The people of Hull have always been very good to us," said Mr Middleton. "We often get high fives and hugs from people when we're out and about. We appreciate that."
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