Double-decker bus to be transformed into greenhouse in Newcastle

The bus was donated to the social enterprise by Stagecoach

A double-decker bus is being renovated and turned into a giant community greenhouse to provide fresh food for local residents and a food bank.

The bus was donated by Stagecoach to social enterprise Building Futures East eight years ago.

It remained outside its offices in Walker, Newcastle, until the group - which already had a community garden - thought to turn it into a greenhouse.

Any excess produce will go to a food bank covering Walker and Byker.

Project leaders are currently fundraising for the work and received a £1,000 donation from Stagecoach.

Dawn Emmerson, project co-ordinator and work coach at Building Futures East, said she hoped the renovation could be done in six weeks

Project co-ordinator Dawn Emmerson said people from the local community would be able to help grow produce and then take it home with them.

The top deck of the bus has already been stripped of seats and Ms Emmerson said seven local artists had also been to look at the bus to find a way of making its outside "fit in with the surroundings".

The top deck of the bus has had all its seats stripped out already

"We've had some amazing financial donations so far, it's been absolutely fantastic but we need to keep that momentum going so we can achieve our goal and we can renovate this bus into a thriving greenhouse," she said.

"A space where people can come together and work with each other."

Ms Emmerson said she hoped the renovation could be completed within six weeks.