A TEAM of church-goers who help late-night city centre revellers have been nominated for a prize in Derbyshire police's first annual Community Achievement Awards.

Derby's street pastors help people get into taxis, clear away broken glass and even hand out flip-flops to female party-goers who take off their shoes in the street during night's out.

The voluntary group is one of 14 nominees being recognised by police in Derby for making a difference to the communities in the city.

Other nominations include a scheme for young people in Sinfin and the Dale Community Champions – a group which works in Normanton to improve the area.

The street pastors, who have been operating in the city centre for almost a year, were nominated for the award by Sergeant Nick Allgood.

He said: "They have assisted the police on many occasions, and often put themselves into potentially violent situations when others may simply walk past. There is no doubt that their presence is now widely accepted and recognised by many people, not just the public services they assist.

"Because they are impartial and not connected to any authority, they have gained the trust of door staff, as well as police and night-time drinkers."

As part of the street pastors scheme, volunteers from 25 churches across Derby patrol Sadler Gate, Friar Gate and Ashbourne Road on Friday and Saturday nights between 10pm and 4am.

They are trained in first aid as well as drug and alcohol awareness and dealing with potentially violent situations.

Police say there are plans in place to use the street pastors to patrol gang-related areas and communities blighted by anti-social behaviour.

Since their introduction, the pastors have dealt with 220 incidents of disorder in the city centre. They have offered first aid to 58 injured people, ranging from accidental trips to serious assaults.

Sgt Allgood said: "They have made a much noticeable contribution to the city on weekend nights, preventing disorder and assisting others.

"As the scheme is rolled out to become involved in other issues, such as gang-related problems in urban areas, then their workload and contribution will become even more noticeable."

Alasdair Kay, who co-ordinates the street pastors scheme, said the group now had 60 volunteers.

He said: "I think this nomination is a credit to each and every one of them and to the work they are doing to take care and look after their city.

"We are still receiving fantastic feedback from members of the public and I have to say that this scheme is perhaps one of the most successful I have been involved in."

The Community Achievement Awards will be held at St Mary's Wharf Police Station, in Derby, on Wednesday, October 21.