A “FRIENDLY face” will be on hand in Malton from Saturday as a group of Street Angels start up patrol.

Launched in July, the scheme now has seven volunteers who are preparing to help and support people enjoying a night out in the town.

Initiated by PC Jane Jones, of Malton police, and Jane Varey, from Norton, who has volunteered as a Street Angel in York, the aim is to support people who may be struggling to get home safely and help diffuse situations before they get out of hand.

PC Jones said everything was ready for the weekend launch.

“We have created a Facebook account, and we now have our Street Angels, so the ball is rolling,” she said.

“We have asked for donations of £20 from every pub in town and Tate Smiths is kindly donating bottles of water, which the Street Angels will hand out. Letters are in the process of been sent to local businesses asking for donations.”

Street Angels were initiated in Halifax and have worked successfully for some time in Scarborough and York.

Inspector Andy Everitt, of Malton police, said the Street Angels would be working in partnership with other agencies and licensees.

“They will carry water to rehydrate people and flip flops for people having difficulty walking home, as well as offering general assistance and offering a friendly face,” he said.

“The volunteers have been trained in first aid, conflict management and general safety issues and will also have radios and be in contact with the CCTV.”

Insp Everitt said: “This is all about the community of Ryedale looking after their own and promoting a safer night-time economy.”

“Funding has been provided by Safer Ryedale and we are grateful for all those who have made donations in other ways, including Tate Smiths.”

Insp Everitt said he would also like to acknowledge the work done by PC Jones.

“She has been the driving force at organising this project and getting it off the ground,” he said.

“We would like to recruit more volunteers and look at rolling out the Street Angels across other Ryedale towns.”