A CHURCH initiative set-up to provide a haven for Saturday-night town-centre revellers is proving a massive success.

Nightshift began 12 years ago, offering a safe place – at Keighley Shared Church – for pubgoers and clubbers seeking some calm or simply a place to wait for a taxi or lift home.

Over the years, the scheme has expanded and many different people call at the historic building – at Church Green – to chat to volunteers.

Free tea, coffee and biscuits are served-up between 10pm and 1am every Saturday.

Behind the venture is Keighley Churches Together, with the teams of volunteers being drawn from various congregations across the area.

Colin Meredith, a Nightshift team leader, said: "For many, Nightshift has become an accepted stable part of life and an established element of Saturday nights in Keighley.

"Although originally aimed at pubbers and clubbers, it has since provided a focus for those who are out and about generally.

"Some folk attend regularly, attracted by the warmth, a cup of tea or coffee, safe space and a chance to sit and chat to someone.

"Others are looking for comfort and to share concerns about issues in their lives, whilst some just call in quickly for a cuppa on their way home.

"Our visitors vary greatly, but are just ordinary people.

"Some swear a bit and most have had a drink – that often makes it easier for them to talk about issues that are worrying them.

"The best thing we hear is when people say they can come along and not feel judged."

Mr Meredith said the project also provided an opportunity for volunteers from different Christian denominations to join together.

And new recruits are welcome to join the team.

"It is really great to meet people from different congregations," he said.

"Anyone wanting to be part of the volunteer team can arrange to come along and find out what it's like."

For more details, contact the Shared Church office on 01535 607003.