Carlisle Street Pastors prepare for last ever shift

Ms Howe said Cumbria Police now operated a Safe Street scheme, with an officer and another person ensuring people were safe around Carlisle at night.

Carlisle Street Pastors was set up by Churches Together in Cumbria, operating under the national organisation, the Ascension Trust.

Ms Howe said the group’s aim was never to “evangelise”, as volunteers were not allowed to do so.

“It’s doing what Jesus would do if he was on the streets at night – he would listen to people, help them and care for them,” she said.

A service to thank the group for its work over the years is due to be held at St Michael’s Church in Stanwix on 26 January.