INVERCLYDE'S volunteer team of Rail Pastors have been joined by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Paisley and Inverclyde on a patrol of the area's railway network.

Bishop John Keenan joined team leader Chris Jewell and his colleagues Gordon and Martin on a tour of stations from Whinhill to Wemyss Bay between 6pm and midnight - and pronounced himself impressed at what he'd seen.

Bishop Keenan said: "We came across a few groups of teenagers and we were encouraged to see how gladly they welcomed us and easily engaged in conversation.

"We also came across some young people on the platform at Whinhill and in the Wemyss Bay station who seemed a little more at a loose end but who were universally appreciative of our lollipops and happy to pass the time with us until the train came.

"One young man struck up a chat with me, and went on to join me on the train till his stop, where he chatted about life and how much his faith meant to him and his family.

"There were other chats with the likes of retired police officers and we also spent time with the transport police officers and rail safety officers.

"The team’s Rail Pastor jackets and hats, signalling their presence as Rail Pastors, brought a sense of community, warmth and humanity in carriages going from here to there.

"I felt the team were a friendly, safe and calming influence on board, on the platforms and in the stations.

"All in all, a lovely way to spend a Friday evening and I would recommend it to anyone."

Bishop Keenan was so interested in the team's work that he'll soon be joining in patrols with the wider Inverclyde Street Pastors team.

Chris said: "We were delighted to have Bishop John out with us. He is a great supporter of our Rail and Street Pastors and will also shortly be coming out with one of our Street Pastor teams to observe what us in action on the streets of Greenock and Port Glasgow.

"We are looking for new Rail and Street Pastors to be able to increase what we do."

Rail Pastors is a partnership with ScotRail, Network Rail and British Transport Police with help from the Samaritans.

There are similar arrangements operating in Paisley and Fife.

Ros Houldsworth, ScotRail's community liaison executive, said: ‘We are very grateful for the work of Rail Pastors whose presence provides support to vulnerable people across Scotland’s railway.

"By providing compassionate assistance and a listening ear to those who may be struggling with mental health challenges or difficult personal situations, the Rail Pastors compliment ScotRail’s work to enhance safety and community atmosphere at stations and on our trains." 

To learn more about Rail Pastors in Scotland, see www.scotland.ascensiontrust.org.uk/school-and-rail-pastors or email inverclydeawake@gmail.com.