COLCHESTER’S homeless bus welcomed its first rough sleeper who had his first full night of rest since being on the streets.

The Colchester Rough Sleepers Group’s project has officially launched and this week one rough sleeper was able to spend a night on the bus.

Vic Flores, who has managed the project since day one, said it could not have gone better.

He said: “The man said the mattresses were unbelievably comfortable. He slept for twice as long as he usually does.

“He usually gets about four hours on the streets but on the bus he went to bed at 11pm and woke up after 8am.

“We will slowly start stepping things up to bring in two people, then four, then six and so on.

“We have had a brilliant response from volunteers but we still need more.”

An electrical fault set the project back in mid July but thankfully Colchester Fuel Injection fixed the bus for free.

The only cost was £300 for a recovery vehicle.

Vic added: “The first night went really well, the only problem we had was losing internet for a bit.

“As we have washing facilities the man was able to have a shave in the morning, and we fed him and had a good chat.”

It has been 16 months since the Colchester Rough Sleepers Group picked up the double decker bus with a vision to transforming it into a mobile sanctuary for people living on the streets.

The bus now includes sleeping pods, showers, a lounge and relaxation area, a TV and sofas.

Rough sleepers will also be able to take their dogs on board.

To find out more visit www.crsgroup.org.