AN evangelical Christian group which offers support to drunken revellers has made its debut in Witney.

The 11 “street pastors” gave out flip flops to women in uncomfortable footwear, lollypops to help keep up drinkers’ blood sugar levels and foil to wrap up in the cold.

Among their good deeds was helping a woman who had fallen outside Izi nighclub and shepherding two women away from a drunk man who was “hassling” them.

They also found a pair of flip flops for a good samaritan who was walking in his socks after giving his shoes to a woman struggling in high heels.

Rev Jason Boyd, one of the organisers and minister at Witney Congregational Church, said the pastors were not there to preach or convert, just to help.

He said: “Basically street pastors are doing what every good Christian should do, which is to be there for people, to help them on the road home.

“There’s a real passion for the community, just to contribute in a positive way.

“We’re not asking for anything. It’s driven by love.”

The scheme, staffed by churchgoers aged 23 to 65, has the blessing of Thames Valley Police and the Mayor of Witney.

The pastors are a familiar sight in Oxford and Wantage and similar schemes will begin in Abingdon and Wallingford in the new year. Witney co-ordinator Jeff Hill helped revellers from 11pm to 4am.

He said: “We are very pleased with how it went. People were very nervous at first. They didn’t know what to expect, but afterwards they felt good about what they did.”

Chief Inspector Jack Malhi, area commander for West Oxfordshire, said: “It helps us to focus on more serious incidents, while they can cover the welfare side of it.”

The street pastors will be out the last three Saturday nights of every month, from 10pm to 4am.

They began the scheme on December 11 but could not go out on Saturday because of the heavy snow but will be out on New Year’s Eve.