WHEN you think of angels, many conjure up images of white winged beings with softly glowing halos.

But there is a different kind of angel visiting the vulnerable and homeless in Swindon every Tuesday night.

A troupe of volunteers, known as the Alternative Angels, are on a mission to help people in need in any way they can.

Quietly setting up camp under the Wyvern Theatre Bridge, lit only by Christmas lights, the women work in an almost seamless operation to serve up warming drinks and hot meals to almost 40 people.

Whether dishing out curried mince and rice, fresh homemade soup, hot dogs or a full Christmas dinner or simply having a chat and a laugh, the small but dedicated group are shining a light on services available for the homeless in the town.

Linda Roberts-Irving, from Toothill was the force behind the birth of the Alternative Angels.

The 66-year-old, who honed her craft in care work, said she saw a gap in services available for the homeless.

“I wanted to do something different. This is giving something back. People don’t have to be homeless to come to us, if they don’t have enough food and want to come to us, we will help in whatever way we can.

“I saw there was a need for something different. I wanted to go out there and do whatever I could to help people in difficult circumstances.

“It’s not just the food, our aim is for them to go away with a full stomach and a full heart. To talk to someone can be the best gift you can offer.

“You really are seeing the best of people in every respect. People will donate food, take the time to bring it to us. Sometimes they just come up and give us £5 or £10 and it makes such a difference.

Everything the angels have is bought using their own funds or is donated to their cause by generous well-wishers.

Each week, Linda and her daughter Bethany, 28 who also volunteers, see their bungalow overrun with supplies in the run-up to their evenings under the bridge.

The volunteers have made a commitment that every person will get to eat a hot meal. They always serve hot dogs, soup, pizzas, pot noodles with teas and coffee available.

Restaurants in the town have also donated food with Bobby’s Fish and Chips in Cheney Manor Road sending portions of sausage and chips on a monthly basis.

If there is any food left over it is given to the homeless people.

Bethany, who is a youth worker for STEP said she wanted to make a difference.

“I said I’d do it for a week but I couldn’t stop myself coming back now I’m here every week. I love what we are doing and I enjoy being here. We’re giving back.

“I think if you’re in a position to help someone, you should. It can happen to anyone. I like supporting people, talking to them, listening to them, and meeting new people. I feel like we have become a community here and have made friends.

“Sometimes it can be very stressful making sure we have enough food but we wouldn’t stop doing it for the world.”

Alternative Angels has spread through word of mouth and social media with more and more people visiting the angels each month.

Nick Davis, 47, visits the angels each week. The bond he has formed with them is so strong he has dubbed Linda ‘mum’ and greets her with an affectionate hug when he sees her.

“I love and respect all of them for what they do. They make sure everybody gets their fair share, they respect us and they really care. I don’t really come down for the food, that part is brilliant but it’s more to have a chat with the girls, find out how they are and catch up. That’s important to me," he said.

“To have a hot meal and a good conversation with people who care means the world to me.”

Lucy Higgins, 30, volunteers with the help of her 12-year-old daughter Chloe.

“I love volunteering because I want to help people wherever I can. I like speaking with the people and making them feel welcome. I also want Chloe to realise that you can do something to make a difference whatever your age,” said Lucy, from Westlea.

“Anyone can end up in this situation and we should everything possible to help.”

Angel Jane Richards, 46, from Park South who dropped off a box of cupcakes said she wanted to set an example to others to help your fellow man.

“I just think it’s paying it forward. I’ve been alone and nobody helped me, and now I just want to help others. All with all the other volunteers, we don’t do this just to help out, we do it because we genuinely care.”

From January 9 the Alternative Angels will extend to two evenings per week, Monday and Tuesday from 6.45pm.

To become a volunteer or donate visit the Alternative Angels page on Facebook.