BUDE Street Pastors took to the town for the first time on Friday night, after an enthusiastic ceremony at Bude's Central Methodist Church.

Quite a gathering turned up for the commissioning of the Christian group and their new scheme.

The congregation enjoyed prayers, songs and readings from members and local police man, PC Dave Flynn, as well as a blessing of the prayer team from Rev Paddy Kyle.

For the meantime the group will be appearing on Friday evenings only, from 9pm through until around 2am, but plans are in place to extend the service to Saturday night as well.

The age of the 20 volunteers ranges from 18 to 75, who will each give one night a month to patrolling the town.

Vice-chairman of the group, Kevin Hogarth, has lived in Bude for 40 years and said: "There are so many different churches in the community and we hope to be a valuable resource and let people know we are judgmental free people who offer care and assistance.

"We want to help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. It is about a whole team working together."

Kevin also attributed the Bideford Street Pastors for inspiring his interest in the scheme. "I had been out with the Bideford pastors and seen how it works — hopefully we can achieve the same as they have."

Co-ordinator of Torbay Street Pastors and Ascension Trust representative, Ros Ede, commissioned the new Bude pastors by distributing caps, certificates and reciting a vow to the individuals joining.

She relived extraordinary moments from her time in Torbay and offered some earnest advice for those gathered. "You are part of Bude Pastors, part of a national group and part of what is God is doing around the world."

The youth project, run at Bude swimming pool, was the first port of call for one group of the pastors. The priority for the evening, said committee chairman Roger Rowland, was to introduce themselves and get people familiarised with those involved in the group.

People out and about were positive when spoken to and keen to find out more about the pastor's new roles in the community.