Drinking marshals will be patrolling Thornbury at weekends following the changes to pub closing times.

The controversial 10pm curfew has caused concerns over large groups leaving pubs at the same time.

While MPs including Luke Hall voted in favour of the curfew on Tuesday, neighbouring MP for The Cotswolds Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown was among 42 Conservative rebels.

The new marshals will be in place to encourage people to 'disperse safely'.

They will be in the town on Friday and Saturday evenings.

A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said Chipping Sodbury and Kingswood have 'benefitted' from the marshals introduced there in the summer.

The scheme has also now been extended to Staple Hill.

A Spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said: “We are looking to support our night time economy by encouraging any groups to disperse safely following the changes made to hospitality closing times, while limiting any associated anti-social behaviour in our town centres.

“Chipping Sodbury and Kingswood have benefited from the presence of marshals and this service is being expanded to Staple Hill and Thornbury on Friday and Saturday evenings.

“The marshals in Thornbury will be funded following a Government announcement on financial support being made available to help oversee Covid-19 social distancing measures.”