Bradford's Street Angels swept into action this weekend in a bid to curb alcohol related problems in the city centre.

The group, founded by City Centre Mission Priest, the Reverend Chris Howson, is patrolling the city centre offering assistance to those who may be vulnerable or at risk due to excess alcohol.

The Angels set out their stall at an event in ChinoThai restaurant in Centenary Square last month in conjunction with West Yorkshire Police.

Since then the number of volunteers has increased by a third meaning a total of 60 Street Angels will now be active on the city's streets.

Mr Howson said: "We patrolled for the first time last night, from 8pm until 2am starting from our base at the German Church on Mannville Terrace.

"When we announced the Street Angels project we had around 40 volunteers. As a result of the positive support of the Telegraph & Argus for the scheme, at our last training session 60 people turned up.

"I am very optimistic about the project and we have had an excellent response from the community and local businesses such as the Alhambra.

"The Pantomime season began last night and we will be there to ensure people get to their cars safely."

The Street Angels will patrol in groups of three or four each Friday and Saturday night.

When put in place in Halifax the Street Angels project contributed to a 40 per cent decrease in drink-related crime in the city centre. Mr Howson is hopeful of emulating that success in Bradford.

He said: "This is one big collaboration with the police, the German Church and many others. I have been in this city for 20 years and Bradford does have a safe city centre, but we want to help to make it even safer.

"We will be going around in high visibility gear and trying to help.

"When I first heard of the Halifax scheme I thought it was a terrible idea, especially as it meant being out until 3am.

"But then I went to Halifax to see the project in action and I saw how popular the Street Angels were with people."