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VOLUNTEERS who help people in Beverley enjoy a safe night out are preparing for their busiest night of the year. The Beverley Street Angels will be out in force on Wednesday as Beverley Racecourse holds The Journal Ladies' Day. The group, which was set up by volunteers from several of the town's churches, aims to make sure people get home safely after a night out. Carolyn Bradbury, of Beverley Community Church, said: "There will be about ten of us out on Ladies' Day and we will start work earlier than normal, at 5.30pm. "We have bought a large supply of flip-flops for the ladies, to help them if their feet are hurting from wearing heels all day or, if we are lucky enough and the weather has been warm, their feet may swell, making their shoes hurt. "We will also be handing out bottles of water because, if alcohol has been consumed, people can become dehydrated. "We will also be on hand to offer first aid, if needed." The Beverley Street Angels were formed in August 2012. Since forming, volunteers have handed out 218 bottles of water and 344 pairs of flip-flops and collected 522 empty glasses and bottles. They have also spent 1,171 hours patrolling the town in the evenings and have given directions to 85 people. Mrs Bradbury said: "When the Street Angels formed, we decided we wanted to help those who may be vulnerable on a night out. "Normally, this means people who are on their own who get lost and cannot find their way to a taxi rank or to the bus station. "In one particular case we found a man who was lying in a doorway, worse for wear, and had his mobile phone on his chest. "These are the people we help." The Beverley Street Angels are on patrol, usually in pairs, between 9.30pm on Saturdays and 3am on Sundays. Mrs Bradbury said: "People will be able to see us as we wear high-visibility vests and carry radios to keep in contact with staff at our office in Saturday Market. "We can often be seen picking up empty bottles and cans that can really hurt people if stood on. "We are also there watching out for vulnerable people and give out free bottles of water if people have consumed too much alcohol." Establishing the Street Angels cost £2,000, which was raised by churches including Toll Gavel Methodist Church and Beverley Minster. The money was used to buy radios and other equipment to patrol the town centre. The group now relies on funding applications, donations and fundraising to continue. Comments are closed.
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