A VOLUNTEER service providing medical support for people in the town centre has moved to a new permanent home.

First Stop Service has been serving the night time community over the last four years and has helped 1,200 people with physical injuries or emotional distress.

The service has operated from a bus located in Broad Street, but will now be based at Reading Minster, as of Friday, February 10.

Councillor Liz Terry, lead member for neighbourhoods, said: "The FIRST Stop team has helped to keep people safe and well in the town centre for several years now.

"It is an asset to Reading's night time economy and a credit to everyone involved, not least the dedicated team of volunteers.

"We are also delighted to now work with Reading Minster to provide the service in a new form. In its new location, with our new partners, we are confident we have found a way to make this service sustainable for the foreseeable future.

"The First Stop provides a vital service in keeping people safe and tackling the negative effects of excessive drinking. The figures show just how many people have benefited from this service and impressively, just how much it has saved our NHS."

The scheme is contracted by the council to reduce the number of unnecessary trip to A&E and it is thought that the new location will provide substantial savings.

Since launching in 2013, First has resulted in an estimated saving of more than £125,000 to the NHS.

Reverend Stephen Pullin added: "We are keen to make the best use of the Minster to serve and support people in the town and we're looking forward to joining forces with the First Stop team.

"Our current weekend Sanctuary project, run by volunteers, has proved extremely successful."