Female clubbers to be protected by patrol group

Chrissie Lowery is raising money for the Gloucester Night Angels expansion

A women's patrol group are looking for more volunteers as it prepares to expand its services.

Night Angels was set up in Stroud by resident Chrissie Lowery.

Ms Lowery is now looking to set up patrol groups in Gloucester to keep women safe on nights out in the city.

Night Angels volunteers "look after women, take them home, do first aid and keep women safe".

'Definitely worthwhile'

Ms Lowery started Night Angels after founding the Safe Space scheme in Stroud following a spate of sexual assaults.

The scheme involves liaising with businesses to provide a safe and secure place for women to go if they are being followed or feel they are under threat in anyway.

Ms Lowery said there are currently around 700 safe spaces in Gloucestershire.

With regards to her newest project, Night Angels, Ms Lowery told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "It's been going really, really well."

"We feel very welcomed in Stroud," she said.

"We get a lot of good feedback as we walk around town, we get a lot of hugs and people saying, 'Thank you for looking after my girlfriend when she goes out'.

"It's definitely worthwhile."

The Night Angels in Stroud not only offer women first aid, but also water and lollipops

Ms Lowery said around 20 people have applied to be Night Angels so far, but around 60-70 volunteers will be needed for the Gloucester expansion.

"We'll be going into the city but also around nearby areas where we found out women feel unsafe in," she said.

"We're looking at being based in King's Walk and we'd like to have a safe haven hub for women there in the night and, in the day, it will be the shop," Ms Lowery said.

"There's lots to do."

Those interested in becoming a Night Angel can apply via Facebook or via the Safe Space website.