Street Pastors has formally launched in Westminster to provide support to young and vulnerable people out and about in London's West End.

A team of Street Pastors was commissioned during a service last week attended by the Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres, and the organisation's founder, the Rev Les Isaac.

During the service, the organisation appealed for more volunteers to come forward to join the 15 Street Pastors in Westminster who have already completed their training.

Prior to the formal launch, the team undertook two patrols in the area around the Strand and Victoria where they were able to provide assistance and support to people, including young revellers and a stranded family of tourists unable to speak English.

As more volunteers come on board, there are plans to expand the patrols to cover more areas of Westminster.

The Street Pastors programme was pioneered in London in January 2003 and has seen some remarkable results, including reduction in crime in areas where teams have been working.

Street Pastors are now working in over 200 towns and cities around the UK.

To be a Street Pastor you need to be over 18, a church member and able to commit to a training programme. There is no upper age limit.

There is also a cost involved for uniform and training. Each Street Pastor team consists of at least three groups of four, each of which will work a minimum of one night a month, usually from 10pm to around 4am.

If you're interested in joining the Westminster team, email westminster@streetpastors.org.uk