The Street Pastors scheme sees volunteers on the town's streets on Friday and Saturday nights offering practical advice and help to those who may be a little worse for wear due to drink.

Now volunteers will be working in Acton in addition to their usual town centre route after 12 more pastors were trained and joined the group.

They received their certificates confirming the completion of their training at St Giles' Church last night.

Local co-ordinator Gareth Jones, who has been involved with the project since the planning stage in 2005, said: "The latest course started in January and there were 12 new recruits. That takes the total number up to 29. The vast majority have now been out on their first patrols and are really enjoying it.

"We will be employing them in two different settings – the first is the last Friday and Saturday of each month in the town centre and then in Acton on Saturday nights between 8-11pm."

The organisation Street Pastors started in London in 2003 and it has apparently seen some remarkable results, including drops in crime in areas where teams have been working.

It aims to respond to urban problems by engaging with people on the streets, to care and listen, and work in partnership with police, councils and other statutory agencies.

Volunteers come from different churches across Wrexham, with the latest recruits ranging in age from 18 to people in their 60s.

"The guys are always appreciated for what they do," said Gareth. "If anything we are finding that Fridays are a bit quieter.

"We're still getting visits from regular places across the UK. Just last Friday we had visits from Lancaster and Pembrokeshire."

The ethos of street pastors, is not to preach at people in terms of seeking conversion, but to support and help them in whatever way possible, making a positive difference to people and communities through practical love and action.