TRIBUTES have been paid to Evesham Street Pastors co-ordinator John Darby who has died following a short illness.

Evesham Street Pastors is a scheme that was set up in 2013 run under the Churches in Evesham, supported and encouraged by local police, Wychavon and Evesham council and many clubs, pubs and businesses in the area.

Mr Darby was a key figure in helping form the initiative that is led and organised by volunteers from various churches, who patrol Evesham's streets, mainly on weekends, to offer help and support to those who are vulnerable.

There are now an estimated 9,000 trained volunteers and over 250 teams across the UK.

Reverend Steven Mizzi of Elim Christian Centre in Evesham described him as "hard working, tremendous and very caring" and that he "cared a lot about things other people didn't care about".

Diane Bennett, a community worker at Working Hands in the Vale, said: "John was very gentle, supportive and was involved in lots of different projects in the community.

"He was well respected and loved in the community."

Vicar of Evesham reverend Andrew Spurr, who knew Mr Darby for almost 20 years said: "John was someone who sat right in the centre of who he was. He was very rooted which made him easy company.  He was genuine through and through.

"What John was, was passionate.  He had a faith which smouldered insistently, not in a way where it could scorch, but where it could transform.

"John would not want us to mourn him.  He was in a place where living had become a challenge.  But we can feel that gap that he leaves, give thanks for who he has been and continue to walk in the path he modelled for so many."

Evesham Street Pastors posted their own tribute on their Facebook page, which read: "John was a good and kind man and a great encourager.

"He loved to see people discover their gifts and often worked hard to create opportunities for people to serve with joy.

"Just over 10 years ago, John had a vision that led to the formation of Evesham Street Pastors and he worked tirelessly to see ESP become a notable part of the town each weekend. 

"He and the committed teams of volunteers worked with other agencies to serve many hundreds with a calming, compassionate presence."