Local officials in Paisley are hoping that the new Street Pastors scheme there will have a positive impact when its first patrol begins in December.

The official launch of the group last Friday was joined by MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, Douglas Alexander, and Lord Provost Celia Lawson.

Mr Alexander he said he was looking forward to the initiative: “As a local MP I welcome the Street Pastors launch here in Paisley. We all know that in our community there are young people who have found themselves marginalised and who succumb to drink or drugs.

“They need people who are willing to listen, care and help – and that’s what street pastors aim to do.”

Rev Peter Gill, minister at Paisley Wallneuk North Church, gave the main address, focusing on the biblical story of the Good Samaritan.

Street Pastors is an inter-denominational church project which aims to reach out to vulnerable partygoers in town centres. Pastors engage with people on the streets to care, listen and help.

The concept was pioneered in London in 2003 and has seen some remarkable results, including drops in crime in areas where teams have been working across the UK.

It is believed that police officials have advised pastors to focus on the town centre area and the Xscape leisure complex at Braehead.

Paisley Street Pastors co-ordinator Jonathan Bacon said: “I am very confident the Paisley Street Pastors will make a noticeable difference to some of the problems that occur on the streets of Paisley and Braehead.”