SKIPTON, midnight, any Saturday night.

I love living in Skipton, with its busy market, historic buildings, beautiful surrounding countryside and many interesting, friendly people. No wonder Skipton is high on the national lists of desirable places to live!

But midnight Saturday finds us in a rather different town!

Our public houses and our night clubs and sports bar attract many young people into the town from all around Skipton for a Saturday night out. About midnight there can be a steady stream of folks heading down the high street from the closing pubs towards the later-closing clubs, where queues may be forming for admittance.

Many of these folks are young, have already had a few drinks and may be rather unsteady on their feet.

Walking among them will be three volunteers in yellow “high-viz” jackets, with a "wings" logo on the back. Normally, these three would be tucked up under the duvet, or relaxing at home.

These are Street Angels on duty tonight. Starting out earlier in the evening they will have been strolling the town centre, exchanging friendly greetings, and removing any potentially dangerous bottles and glasses .

They are on the look-out for anyone who might need some help, from simple direction enquiries to physical support getting to a taxi rank, providing a foil blanket to a freezing youngster, or occasionally calling an ambulance.

Why, do they do it?

Started six years ago by Churches Together in Skipton, Street Angels aim to show in a practical way that God cares for everyone, everywhere.

We recently celebrated Easter – remembering that Jesus was crucified because of that love. If you would like to know more about God’s love for you can find out in any of our churches - you’d be more that welcome.

Eileen Appleby

Methodist Local Preacher and Street Angel