A DOUBLE decker bus is set to be converted into a shelter for the town’s homeless.

First Bus has donated the vehicle to Bury Homeless Project to to help with the group's efforts to get as many homeless people as possible off the streets.

Once completed, the bus will be used as as a space to provide one-to-one support for the borough's homeless people, as well as offering them a bed for the night.

Inside the shelter will be four beds, a shower and toilet facility, kitchen and seating areas, and office space.

Sarah Edgar, from Bury Homeless Project, said: “This is going to change a lot of people’s lives.

“We have quite a few vulnerable people who are ready to come off the streets so it could be a matter of life and death.

“Having somewhere to go is so important.”

The group will also use the bus to provide services for vulnerable people at risk of becoming homeless.

The bus will be manned 24 hours a day by staff, although a permanent location is yet to be decided. It is hoped that the shelter will be ready to open by the end of September.

And in order to get the work finished on time, Bury Homeless Project is looking for donations of materials including kitchen and electrical cable.

Sarah Edgar, from the group, said: “We really need the public behind us on this one.

“We need to make this happen and make it happen quickly.”

The group is also running a competition to name the bus, with local schoolchildren invited to get involved.

A £15 entertainment voucher will be awarded to the winner.

Entries should be sent to competition.bhp@gmail.com before Monday, July 1.

Bury Homeless Project was set up in March 2018 and offers support and compassion to the town’s rough sleepers and those on low incomes.

It previously ran a community street kitchen three times a week, a donation site for food, clothing, bedding, tents and other useful items distributed to rough sleepers.

In addition, it also offers signposting for those needing help with benefits, housing and medical help.

Anyone able to help with the latest project should visit www.facebook.com/buryhomelessproject.