A SCHEME designed to help those at risk of abuse in a pub or bar discreetly signal for help has launched in Oxfordshire.

If someone feels uncomfortable in a licensed venue in Abingdon or Didcot they can now go to the bar and ask 'Is Angela in?'.

Staff will then offer discreet help, such as keeping an eye on them, calling a friend, relative, taxi, or the police - or simply help them to leave the building via an alternative exit.

Started in Lincoln in 2016 the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign is now available across a number of towns and cities in the UK.

The scheme is particularly aimed at those who are on a date with someone they have only just met online, or via a dating app, who turns out not to be how they expected.

Participating venues can be recognised by a blue sticker in their window and posters displayed in bar and toilet areas.

So far, 21 pubs have signed up in Abingdon and 10 in Didcot.

The ‘Ask Angela’ campaign will be rolled out across towns in the Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire District Council areas this summer.

Eric Batts, Cabinet member for community safety at the Vale, said: “'Ask for Angela’ is a discreet way of asking for help should someone require it in a licensed venue. We have a very safe nightlife in the Vale and South Oxfordshire, however when someone does feel vulnerable it’s reassuring to know that this help will be available.”

Caroline Newton, Cabinet member for community safety at South Oxfordshire added the campaign provided 'extra reassurance'.

The scheme is supported by local Pubwatch members and the South and Vale Community Safety Partnership.

Licensed venues wanting to join the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme can email communitysafety@southandvale.gov.uk