A TEENAGER spent an afternoon busking on the streets of Weymouth to raise money for a homelessness charity.

Phulmaya Bhusal, 15, played songs with her guitar in aid of the Bus Shelter Dorset, after heading down there to meet the people at the bus which is based at Lodmoor, Weymouth.

She said: "Spending the morning at The Bus Shelter was a pleasure. The guests welcomed me into their home and there was a bubbly and warm atmosphere.

"I played them a few tunes on my guitar and they were all so encouraging about me going busking in the afternoon.

"It was really inspiring to see how positively the Bus has helped everyone and it was great to meet some of the guests planning to support me on my 24 hour rough sleep on April 11.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how this amazing charity continues to help people in the future."

She raised £115 from busking.

Phulmaya, who lives in Maiden Newton and goes to Beaminster School, will also be sleeping rough on the streets of Weymouth as she hopes to raise £1,000 for the Bus Shelter Dorset.

She said: "I was inspired to get involved as part of my silver Duke of Edinburgh after seeing and hearing about the huge impact The Bus was having on people's lives.

"Homelessness is a huge issue throughout the world, but we're seeing more and more of it on our doorsteps.

"Since 2010, the number of rough sleepers has almost tripled. People, just the same as us, spending their lives out on the streets, with nowhere else to go.

"Although there are temporary places for the homeless to rest and get food, there aren't many places that offer long term solutions.

"Even though it's only 24 hours, this is a chance for me to get a glimpse of what life is like on the streets and raise awareness and vital funds for this life-changing charity.

Phulmaya is welcoming people to sponsor her or raise money and join her if they wish.

To donate to her Just Giving site for the rough sleep on April 11, go to her Just Giving page at justgiving.com/fundraising/phulmaya