Guardian Angels are on patrol to make Rochdale streets safer.

And already crime has plummeted wherever they operate.

The Rochdale Street Pastors - volunteers who keep watch on Friday and Saturday nights - have seen a drop in burglaries, thefts and other crimes on their beat, just three months after starting their peace-keeping work.

The team is one of 250 working around the country to deter crime and provide a sympathetic ear to local communities.

Based in Kirkholt, the group of 15 take turns to patrol the estate and surrounding areas every Saturday night and the first Friday night of each month, working in teams of three of four.

They visit pubs near to closing time and walk around residential streets, keeping watch for signs of trouble and anyone in distress or needing support.

Former teacher Jean Briggs co-ordinates the scheme.

She said: “Our job is to engage with people and to help them if they are in trouble.

“We come across all sorts of things. We've seen fights. We don't stop them but just stand nearby and often our presence can cause them to stop.

“We've met people who are bereaved or having problems and need someone to talk to and other people who need general advice about things.

“Everyone in the community has been very friendly and I've never felt threatened doing the job. We provide a listening ear and don't report anything to the police unless there is immediate danger. Sometimes people feel more comfortable talking to us. We will do what we can to help.”

In the period the pastors have been working, figures for the area show a drop in several reported offences compared with the 12 months before.

Burglaries are down from 15 to just three. Other thefts are down from 20 to two and hate crime and criminal damage have also fallen. The team includes men and women of all ages, retired and working, including John Johnson, who has six years' experience as a street pastor.

All are members of churches, though do not promote their religion, and are based at Kirkholt Social Club, attending regular community and police meetings to hear residents' concerns.

All have been trained in first aid, youth work and conflict management.

Jean added: “While we are all Christians, we are not evangelical in the slightest. It is nice to think that we have made a difference. We'd like to thank all the community for their support and especially Jill Howard and her team from Kirkholt Social Club, where we are always made welcome.”

Coun Sultan Ali, cabinet member for strengthening communities, said: “The street pastors are a fantastic group of people who give up their time for free to make our communities a better place to live. They are a huge support to the community safety partnership because people can approach the street pastors with issues which they might not feel comfortable talking to the police about.

“They provide a reassuring presence, which makes people feel safe and by taking the time to talk to residents about their problems, they often provide support which can tackle the cause of anti-social behaviour, improving the life of both individuals and the wider community.”

The street pastor scheme was set up in London in 2003 by Rev Les Isaac and Rochdale's scheme was funded in part by the town's community safety partnership.

To find out more about the scheme, email rochdale@streetpastors.org.uk.