The project is one of five with a chance of scooping an accolade in the Improving Lives category at this year’s Making a Difference in Yorkshire and Humber Awards, run by Local Government Yorkshire and Humber.

The Selby District Night Marshals scheme is a collaboration between Selby District Council and North Yorkshire Police, funded through the Selby District Community Safety Partnership. Marshals are registered door staff, who patrol areas with the potential for alcohol-related disorder on busy Friday and Saturday nights, as well as on other special occasions, such as Bank Holidays. Areas include taxi ranks and outside takeaways.

Marshals work closely with police and community support officers, as well as with CCTV operators covering the town centre. They offer reassurance to people enjoying a night out, as well as giving police additional support. Marshals can often deal with low level anti-social behaviour or stop disorderly behaviour before it starts, leaving the police to target their work more effectively.

Figures show a reduction in crime during the periods when the marshals are on patrol. Recorded violent crime reduced by 39 per cent and overall crime by 21 per cent during Selby town centre patrol periods last Christmas and New Year.

SDC’s community safety champion Coun Brian Percival said: “We know from our own research and experience the night marshals have had a very positive impact on reducing crime and disorder, so it’s pleasing the scheme is now getting regional recognition.

“Of course, the purpose of introducing the night marshals hasn’t been to win awards but to make sure everyone remains safe and secure during their evening out and on their way home.”

Safer Neighbourhood Inspector and Selby District Night Safe Group chairman Dave Pegg added: “The job of the marshals isn’t to replace police officers, but to offer that extra bit of reassurance and support to help people enjoy their night out and their journey home.

“Selby continues to be a low crime area, but the fear of crime is something that remains – not only do the marshals reduce the level of actual crime, but they also offer important reassurance to everyone out and about at the weekend.”

The Making a Difference in Yorkshire and Humber Awards 2008 take place in Harrogate on November 18.