As you may have seen on our Facebook and Twitter accounts over the weekend – we were the proud winners of the ‘Keeping Luton Safe’ Award at the Luton’s Best Awards 2015. In the category alongside Alcohol Services for the Community and LAMP, our small Street Pastors Initiative was proud to even be nominated.

Ros, our coordinator, and Jane, our chair of trustees, thoroughly enjoyed the evening, which highlighted and showcased the wonderful work of charities, volunteers and individuals who serve in so many ways across our town. Everyone from ‘young achiever’ to ‘service with a smile’ to ‘Luton’s most outstanding citizen’; each category was filled with inspirational stories of those making a difference in our community.

The whole evening made all those nominated feel special and appreciated; with the Luton Male Voice Choir performing, a selection of canapés and sweets amongst the champagne reception, followed by a 3 course dinner and the awards, presented by experienced broadcaster Andrew Castle. Nadiya Hussain, winner of The Great British Bake Off, was also there as she won the ‘Lutonian of the Year’ award. All this plus a performance from Melissa Norwood, the 15 year old who won the Talent Quest in Luton, and an auction and raffle to raise funds for Keech Hospice.

Jane and Ros were so happy to represent the work of Luton Street Pastors on this occasion, and it is clear that such achievements would not be possible without the hard work and selflessness of our amazing volunteers, who give up there weekend evenings to help those in need on the streets of Luton. Our award will be displayed in our base, St Mary’s Church, so that all who pass by can be made aware of the work our teams.

Well done to all involved!

Photo: All nominees for the ‘Keeping Luton Safe’ award, credit to ATP Media