They are the unsung heroes, giving up their evenings to make sure revellers stay safe during theirs.

And while for many Christmas and New Year is a time to wind down and relax, the county’s patrol of street pastors are preparing for their busiest period of the year, as partygoers enjoy the season’s celebrations.

The team in Maidstone know a thing or two about what to expect. As the group aproaches its 10th anniversary, the group of church volunteers has never missed a Saturday night in the town - New Year’s Eve will be the 483rd time they’ve hit the streets.

Nigel Downes, Kent street pastor co-ordinator and part of the Maidstone team, said: “Most of the time people who are drunk tend to be quite happy, but there are rare occasions when we do see fights break out.

“Our policy is to never directly intervene, as we have to protect our volunteers, but we do have the lollipops which we’ve become famous for.

“When you get between a shouting match and offer someone a lollipop, it tends to defuse the situation.

“In all our years we’ve never been physically assaulted, we might be sworn at or called bible bashers, but we’re out on the streets to help, not to preach or convert.”

Patrolling from 9.30pm until the early hours of the morning, the team is armed with a first aid kit, bottles of water, flip flops and of course, lollipops. Gravesend street pastor Anwar Bourazza spent seven years volunteering in London before moving to Kent.

He said: “In Hackney, we used to do a lot more talking with people, but when we’re out on weekends now, we’re handing out hundreds of flip flops, or helping people that have passed out.”

With five years’ service at Maidstone Street Pastors, Iwade resident Mr Downes said: “We were the first street pastor team in the county, but each team faces unique challenges in each town.

“When you’re out in the cold or even the snow in the early hours of the morning, it’s great to hear that what we’re doing is making a difference.”

Street pastor teams working around the county

Ashford - Its 18 street pastors have spent more than 6,500 hours on patrol. They also have prayer pastors, whose role is to pray for the volunteers and people they meet.

Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable - As well the student population they help to keep safe, the Canterbury group works closely with the city’s homeless community. The Whitstable team goes out from 7pm to midnight, mainly helping people on the beach.

Dover - Nights have become quieter since the group began in 2011, so volunteers are now considering setting up day patrols.

Dartford and Gravesend - Running since 2009, the Gravesham team has an extra squad, which only goes out on payday weekends.

Maidstone - Kent’s original team of street pastors are in charge of keeping the county’s clubbing capital safe.

Medway - Four groups patrol Rochester High Street each Saturday, focused on helping pub and club goers.

Sittingbourne and Sheppey - Following the success of the Sittingbourne group, the Island started its own in 2013. Their busiest months are April to October when the caravan and chalets sites open.

Tunbridge Wells - Teams go into the town centre six times a month, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.