National Ask for Angela scheme is being rolled out in Bolton's pubs and club

Bolton police are launching the nationally recognised Ask for Angela scheme across the town centre's pubs and clubs.

Those in need of desperate help can ask bar staff for Angela.

Angela — which is a play on the word angel — is a simple code word which police say is designed to empower members of the public into seeking help when feeling vulnerable.

The campaign is aimed at reducing sexual violence and abuse in the area by providing those in need a platform to discreetly approach staff and ask for help.

Staff at the venues signed up to the scheme will offer to take the person feeling unsafe to a safer location where they can then ask for help.

CAMPAIGN: Ask for Angela

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Bridge, from Greater Manchester Police, said: "By providing members of the public, both male and female the opportunity to seek help through the use of a non-descript phrase, we are able to empower them into getting out of a situation which makes them feel uncomfortable.

"Those asking for help may be in the company of someone who is not what they seemed and they want to get away safely. Staff are then in a position to provide a variety of options including, calling a taxi, contacting friends and in serious circumstances ringing police."

As part of the initiative a poster featuring the campaign slogan ‘Ask for Angela’ will be delivered to venues across the area and placed in the toilets.

DCI Bridge added: "We want this campaign to resonate with the community and show that we take the issue of sexual abuse and violence seriously. As this is a pilot area, we are hoping that if is a success it can be rolled out forcewide."

Sam Zegrour, owner of Level Nightclub and The Dragonfly Bar, said: "Any steps we can take to reduce vulnerability in the night time economy is obviously a positive thing.

"The way the scheme has been designed means that individuals in vulnerable situations can discreetly ask for assistance which I think is key to the success of Ask Angela.

"Obviously it’s something that we hope people don’t have to use but having it there as a safety net for customers is a fantastic addition to the nightlife of Bolton."