KIND-hearted volunteers have launched a campaign to put an “SOS bus” for the homeless on the road.

They have formed a charity, Saviour Of Souls, and have begun kitting the bus out to be used as a facility to provide help to people living on the streets in Bolton and across Greater Manchester.

During the day the bus, which has been donated by David Holt’s in St Helens Road, Daubhill, will be used by bus enthusiast and community artist Tracy Fenton who is one of the group of 10 friends who met as members of Kings Church, off Bury Road, Bolton.

Ms Fenton, who runs Artfantastic, an art therapy group, said: “The plan is for the bus to be used 24-hours a day.

“At night we will provide much-needed support to people on the streets and in the day it will be used as a mobile art school.”

Ms Fenton said funding for the project is being raised “on a wing and a prayer”, but local firm Howden’s has donated kitchen fittings for the bus while Travis Perkins has offered building materials.

They have also received a helping hand from youngsters at the Essa Academy in Great Lever who have donated more than 350 tins of soup.

Ms Fenton was placed into foster care at the age of six weeks old before being moved around the country 52 times until she finally left care aged 16.

She added: “We are happy to talk to anyone who wants to help us.

“There is advertising space on the bus, available to any firm who wants to sponsor us. We need all the help we can get.

“The bus will offer shelter to those who need a place to sit in warmth, with food, love and support.”

Anyone interested in helping the group can call at Cake Delight, in Deane Church Lane, Deane, or contact Tracy Fenton on 07807 009208.