A MYSTERY benefactor has stumped up £25,000 to pay for a homeless bus to keep rough sleepers off the street at night.

The Colchester Rough Sleepers Group had planned for a year of fundraising to raise the cash needed for the Chariot 180.

But after the group’s plans were published in the Gazette, a generous benefactor came forward and donated the cash, which has been used to buy a second-hand double decker bus.

There is also enough money left over to tax and insure the bus and hopefully to buy a support vehicle.

Simon Crow, a spokesman for the group, said: “This incredible act of generosity came out of the blue after recent coverage of our plans in the Gazette and has stunned and delighted us all.

“We had been planning to raise money over the coming months to buy a vehicle and had hoped to be in a position to purchase one in the autumn, ready to be converted and put into use next year.

“But thanks to our mystery donor we have been able to buy a vehicle we had been keeping an eye on and bring our plans dramatically forwards.”

The coach has two flights of stairs and emergency doors and already has a water storage tank, plumbing for a toilet and an entertainment system.

The group - which boasts Bishop of Colchester the Rt Rev Roger Morris as a patron - also plans to use the bus as a drop-in centre during the day.

One of the group’s other founder members, Pete Hope - formerly of GO4 Enterprises - said: “Like many towns and cities Colchester has a rough sleeper problem and in spite of the amazing work done by organisations such as the Emergency Night Shelter and Beacon House there simply aren’t enough beds to get them all off the streets.

“Chariot 180 will help with that by working with and supporting existing services, and additionally we plan to use it as a drop in centre during the day.

“Chariot 180 will literally be helping people to turn their lives around.”

The group is applying for charity status and fundraising will continue in order to fund the coach fit-out.

It is hoped the bus will be ready for next winter.

The outside of the bus will be bedecked with graphics made by Premier Signs, whose workers are donating their time free.

The group is appealing for volunteers or businesses to come forward to help with fundraising or ideas where the bus, which will hold up to ten people, could parked overnight.

It will also need to be manned each night. To contact the group, search Facebook, email hello@crsgroup.org or call 07379987181.