Wakefield District NHS Primary Care Trust (PCT) has given more than £2,800 to the scheme to help pay for vital first aid training and basic medical supplies.

This means the group of volunteers – which gives support to vulnerable people in the city centre every weekend who may be the worse for wear through booze or drugs – will now be able to train more of their team in advanced first aid.

Ben Brown, Street Angels’ co-ordinator, said: “It is great news the PCT has provided us with first aid equipment and training.

“It will help us provide better care to those who become vulnerable on the streets of Wakefield.”

Launched in December 2006, the Street Angels have saved the lives of revellers and prevented countless others from danger during busy nights out on the Westgate front or in other parts of the city centre.

They are part of an action plan by Wakefield District Community Safety Partn-ership, which includes the council, the police and other agencies, to reduce violent crime.

Ruth Twiggins, the PCT’s head of public health for vulnerable groups, said: “This is a brilliant initiative that not only demonstrates the wonderful community spirit present in Wakefield but also helps to ensure those in need get assistance quickly – potentially avoiding injury or harm.

“The first aid training that the funding will pay for can make such a difference.”