There was scarcely a spare seat in Pembroke Town Hall on Sunday afternoon as Christians from Pembroke and Pembroke Dock met with representatives of Pembroke Town Council and Dyfed Powys police to commission 19 new street pastors, the majority of whom will serve in Pembroke.

"This was the fulfillment of a dream that I have had for the past four years," explained Rob James, chair of the Welsh Evangelical Alliance and pastor of Westgate Chapel, who led the commissioning service.

"I am so grateful to all who have helped this dream to come true, especially the new management committee, its chair Jonathon Beharral and our co-ordinator Lyn Edwards, who have 'worked their socks off' to ensure that this exciting initiative becomes an integral part of our community life."

Street pastors is an inter-denominational church response to urban problems, engaging with people on the streets to care, listen and dialogue. It was pioneered in London in January 2003 by Rev. Les Isaac, director of the Ascension Trust, who visited Pembroke recently, and has seen some remarkable results, including drops in crime in areas where teams have been working.

There are now more than 12,000 trained volunteers who play an active part in more than 270 towns and cities in the UK. Each city project is set-up by Ascension Trust and run by a local co-ordinator with support from Ascension Trust and local churches and community groups in a partnership with police, council and other statutory agencies.

Voicing his enthusiastic support for the scheme, Sergeant Terry Pugh, of Dyfed Powys Police, said: "I did not realise until the beginning of the week when I attended a street pastors meeting the hard work and dedication it has taken all the street pastor team to get to this state. I had not had the pleasure of working alongside street pastors until I had a temporary posting in Haverfordwest five months ago, but that experience allowed me the opportunity of witnessing the excellent work and the difference that they can make in the community and the dedication of all the hours and hard work they put in not only out on the streets, but also those at the based caring and looking after the needs of those on the streets. I would get asked by members of the public 'are the pastors out tonight?' Some of whom are not so keen to see the police, but are delighted to with the pastors."

Voicing the town council's commitment to the scheme, Deputy Mayor, Clr. Pauline Walters, added: "We are delighted that this initiative is being introduced to our town and we are pleased to offer our support in any way we can. Pembroke Fair is the optimum time to begin as there are always crowds of people out enjoying themselves. The street pastors will be able to make themselves known. We anticipate great feedback. May the Lord be their strength and their shield."

Chair Jonathan Beharral was clearly overwhelmed by the success of the launch.

"The tide is turning," he reflected.

"From today, these words will have a significant meaning. Nineteen street pastors supported by their prayer pastors and representing eight churches of different denominations have been commissioned to serve Pembroke. They will provide practical care and support for those out on a Saturday night. This will mean listening discretely without judgement or prejudice. It will also include practical assistance to the vulnerable too. This unity of vision and motivation is a turning point in both local and national history as volunteers care selflessly for the wellbeing of their community."