VOLUNTEERS are being sought to provide a safe haven' for distressed and vulnerable people on a night out in Blackburn and Darwen.

The Safe Haven bus will be run by volunteers and will provide a refuge to revellers who become lost or separated from their friends.

Volunteers will act as the first point of contact to anyone in difficulty in the town centres at weekends.

The scheme has cost around £10,000 to set up and has been paid for by a grant from the Home Office's Safer Stronger Communities Fund.

Sgt Rachel Baines, a project officer, said: "It cannot run without the help and support of volunteers. We are looking for people of all ages and backgrounds who can give just one night each month."

The recruits will be expected help reassure distressed people, contact relatives, provide basic first aid, talk to people and assess their needs.

Full training will be given and a qualified team leader will be on the bus at all times.

Drunken or distressed people will be able to stay on the bright yellow bus until helpers can arrange for the person to be re-united with friends, collected or taken home in a taxi.

The scheme is the first of its type in the North West and follows a similar project in Norwich, launched in 2001 after the tragic alcohol-related death of three teenagers who had been out clubbing.

The double decker was bought from Blackburn Transport for a peppercorn amount of £1, and will have seating and a treatment table where first aid can be administered.

Sgt Baines added: "As a non-profit scheme, the Safe Haven bus will not only rely on public support, it will rely heavily on the help of businesses and I ask them to come on board too."

The vehicle will be in Blackburn and Darwen town centres on Friday and Saturdays starting from Friday, December 15.

To volunteer or offer sponsorship call 01254 585609 or 353576.