VOLUNTEERS have come forward to help vulnerable party goers after a successful Safe Bus open day in Bournemouth.

The innovative bus, fitted out to provide a refuge for lost, injured or drunk late-night revellers, was parked at Horseshoe Common all day on Saturday in a bid to inform the public about its use and to drum up support.

Volunteer co-ordinator Barry Barnes said the service had many visitors over the course of the day, with 12 people ready to sign up and help. After submitting a full application, the candidates must go through vetting process which takes around three weeks.

"We are very pleased, the event went extremely well," said Mr Barnes.

"Some people just dropped by as the bus was there, but a lot sought us out deliberately as they wanted to find out more, in part thanks to the article in the Daily Echo.

"We had a good mix of people who expressed an interest, which is important. We like to have a decent age range, and it is important that the volunteers are able to deal with people who can be quite vulnerable.

"Some can be angry, some might divulge sensitive information, you have to be careful.

The Safe Bus, a joint venture between Dorset Police, the South Western Ambulance Service and Bournemouth Council, provides a base for officers and paramedics and offers support via its private treatment room, hot and cold running water and heating, and a private area for the taking of police statements.

The service is based on the Common from about 10.15pm on Saturday nights all year round, and also on Friday nights during the summer months, and also attends events such as the Air Festival.

Figures for last year show the bus saved 40 ambulance trips to hospitals in Bournemouth and Poole.

The current volunteers range in age from 19 to 72.

Volunteers need to be at least 18 years old and, ideally, be able to work a five or seven hour shift every four or five weeks.

For more information visit SAFE BUS - Bournemouth on Facebook.