Street pastors are to work alongside police officers in Stirling to give assistance to those that need help after a night out in the city.

Stirling area commander superintendent David Flynn said in a statement: "Often at the weekends police officers time can be spent dealing with a wide range of minor issues which have arisen as a result of people consuming too much drink and this makes them more vulnerable than they would be otherwise.

"This can tie up resources which are often needed elsewhere.

"This initiative is supported by the Community Safety Partnership and is part of a collective approach to make Stirling city centre as safe as possible. The street pastors will be there to provide care, support and help to people out and about in the city centre at night.

"They will be in constant contact with officers via a dedicated radio link."

Street pastors are all volunteers and will be on the streets in the city on Friday.

They will be equipped with space blankets, first aid kits, anti-spike bottle stoppers, as well as flip-flops for anybody who has lost their shoes.

James Mackenzie, co-ordinator for the Stirling street pastors, said: "This means we can deal with a wide range of issues such as giving first aid treatment for minor injuries, keeping somebody warm while they wait for a taxi or even making sure that they can walk comfortably with a pair of flip flops.

He added: "The role of the volunteers is caring and helping but above all, listening to people. This seems to fill a niche that is much needed and appreciated on the streets at nights."

Aberdeen, Dunfermline, Glasgow, Inverness and Perth already have street pastors while further projects are planned for Edinburgh and Inverclyde.

Councillor Jim Thomson said: "We are delighted to support the introduction of the street pastors initiative in Stirling.

"We have undertaken a range of projects in Stirling city centre through the Community Safety Partnership focused on the night time economy, and the Street Pastors approach compliments these initiatives."