THEY haven't flipped and the service they provide has definitely not flopped, but Tavistock Street Pastors want to make an appeal to pub and club ladies of the town in a 'flip-flop amnesty'.

During the past two years the trained volunteers, who are all Christians, have been out patrolling the streets of Tavistock town centre late every Saturday and every other Friday from 10pm until 2am.

One of the services they offer is a timely pair of flip-flops to ladies who come out of the licensed premises, sometimes 'a little worse for wear', who find it a little difficult to walk home in their high heels and risk hurting their bare feet on broken glass.

In two years Tavistock Street Pastors have given out 200 pairs of flip-flops and are now appealing to those 'ladies in distress' who have used them to return them, so they can be used again.

Rob Palmer, the group's deputy co-ordinator, one of the Tavistock Street Pastor co-ordinators, told the Times: 'If you've received a pair and would like to return them for recycling, then please take them to the Oxfam shop in West Street and put them in the labelled bin.

'Please feel free to stop and have a chat with the street pastor team next time you see them on the streets!'

Tavistock Street Pastors say their presence late at night in Tavistock has had a positive impact on Tavistock nightlife.

'Feedback from the local police, West Devon Borough Council, taxi drivers and others who work in the night time economy has been positive and encouraging, and the town centre is seen as more peaceful than it might otherwise have been,' said Rob.

'We're not there to preach – it's about caring, listening and helping in any way we can. People often just want to talk, and we do have some great conversations!'