They are the friendly faces that have appeared on shopping streets across Cornwall: the new street marshals aimed at keep people safe post lockdown.

Appointed by town councils, they are on hand at the busiest times of the day to give help and guidance to those visiting and working in Helston, Camborne, Redruth, Truro, St Ives, Newquay and St Austell.

These new marshals work alongside Cornwall Council’s public protection officers, who have been supporting businesses on reopening safely in towns and villages across the county.

The officers have given guidance to cafes, restaurants, pubs and hotels about ensuring social distancing, advised street traders and others such as hair braiders about being Covid secure, and worked with community safety and police teams on preventing anti-social behaviour.

Dan, who is working as a street warden in Camborne, said people are giving him a thumbs up in his new role.

Read next: Changes to Truro city centre road closures are announced

“I especially like helping reassure some of our older residents. I’ve got to know the local businesses and it’s great to know they’re all really keen to do what they can to make their customers and staff feel comfortable," he said.

"So far, most visitors have been really co-operative and do their best to follow the guidelines and respect social distancing.”

Welcoming the initiative, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for the economy Tim Dwelly said: “It’s good to see people out and about in our towns again.

“Many of our high streets look very different because of the Covid-safe measures that have been put in place such as one-way signage on pavements and reminders to follow social distancing. This has been done so people can visit and work there with confidence.

“The presence of these marshals and our public protection officers play a hugely valuable role in giving a bit of extra help where needed.

“You can be assured that your safety is top-of-mind at all times, so do say a friendly ‘hi’ (dydh da) when you see them.

Read next: Coronavirus in Cornwall round up - Friday, July 17

“Hopefully their presence is a reminder to everyone to be considerate, responsible and patient, too. After all, it’s all being done for everyone’s safety and protection - and we’re all in this together.”

Richard Wilcox, Falmouth BID manager and chair of South West BIDs, said there had been a "significant amount of proactive work" taken by Cornwall's business improvement districts to support the business and wider communities.

He added: "Working alongside Cornwall Council, Visit Cornwall, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce and other organisations – a ‘one and all’ approach – our towns are working hard to provide sanitiser stations, pedestrian flow arrangements, traffic-free environments and friendly advice via street wardens and marshals.

“We can’t wait to welcome you to Cornwall and our towns.”