Campaigners are one step closer to transforming the lives of the county's homeless, thanks to a generous donation. 


Emily and Eddie McCarron, who set up the Bus Shelter Dorset, are, with the help of volunteers, renovating a double decker bus which will house homeless in Dorset.


The project has received a welcome boost thanks to Magna Housing, with workers installing a bathroom and kitchen trailer. 


Peter Hill, of Magna Housing, said: “We wanted to get involved in this project to help support the community we are based in. We have a great team of kitchen and bathroom fitters at Magna and offered their services to refit the trailer.”


“We supplied the kitchen units and appliances, repaired the bathroom facilities that were already there, and replaced the flooring. It was a great project for our team to be involved in.”


Emily and Eddie started the project, which will be based in Weymouth, in a bid to help end the need for people to sleep on the streets. 


They initially set a fundraising target of £10,000 so that they could buy a bus to renovate. Donations poured in and Damory stepped in, gifting the charity with a double decker bus.


Once finished, the bus will include sleeping pods upstairs and downstairs for up to 20 people. There will an area for volunteers to sleep, a consultation area, kitchen, wood burner, seating area and toilets.


The bus will be powered by solar panels on the roof and there will be storage space. Each sleeping pod will have its own curtain for privacy and low voltage LED lighting and USB plug.


People will be offered the use of a PO BOX so that they are able to apply for work, register with GP and make benefit claims.


The new addition be parked alongside the converted bus to provide kitchen and bathroom facilities for the homeless people sleeping on the bus.


Emily said: “We cannot thank Magna enough for the fantastic job they have made on the trailer for us. It looks fantastic and we are so pleased with it.


“Once the conversion is completed we will be opening our doors to rough sleepers and supporting them to find suitable move on accommodation, as well as working with them to address their issues and to engage with other agencies. 


“We are looking for willing volunteers to support the day-to-day running of the bus, alongside our core team.” 


For more information, contact thebusshelterdorset@gmail.com