A pub in Ipswich has donated a double-decker bus to a local homelessness charity. 

The donation to Ipswich Bus Charity was made by The Duke Ipswich pub on Tuesday in a bid to help the charity to get to its next goal.

The Woodbridge Road-based pub believed that the charity needed to be applauded for the work it had done during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bus had previously been used to serve hot food in the pub's beer garden, but as the business moved over to a new menu it was felt it would be right to donate the bus to a good cause. 

The transition from a bus to a shelter was made possible by Hammond Recovery Motor Group, which also offered to transport the bus to its new home free of charge.

Chris Mapey, landlord of The Duke, said: "Our double-decker bus was a lifeline for us and our patrons during some of the toughest times of the pandemic."

The bus was taken to the charity with the help of Hammond Recovery Motor Group The bus was taken to the charity with the help of Hammond Recovery Motor Group (Image: Chris Mapey)

Pub managers Sally and Roy Goodger added: "We are delighted to see this double-decker repurposed to support The Bus Shelter Ipswich in its mission to aid the homeless community.

"This bus has always been about bringing people together, and now it will continue to do so in an even more impactful way.

"We also plan to host fundraisers over the coming months to help pay for the renovations the bus will need.”

The Duke is hoping it can help the charity, which has provided multiple people with temporary accommodation, meals and support services, to expand its capacity to offer safe and dignified shelter to even more individuals in need.

Gareth Brenland, co-founder of The Bus Shelter Ipswich, said: “We would like to thank all those involved with the donation and relocation of the bus.

"We intend to use the bus to provide a lifeline to those facing a night on the street by offering a safe space/sleep along with other services to help the wider community."