A carpenter has set the wheels in motion to find a bus to convert into a shelter for homeless people.

Tony Cooper wants to transform a single-decker into a 12-bed mobile accommodation unit, believed to be the first of its kind in Kent, after seeing the idea on television.

The 49-year-old Milton Regis resident said: “There was one set up on the Isle of Wight called The Bus Shelter. I saw it on the One Show and said ‘I think it’s a good idea, we need to bring it over here’.”

In recent months, Tony, who lives with partner of 13 years Deborah Dobbie, has been helping those living on the streets in Medway.

But his voluntary work concerning homelessness started when he lived in Essex after making contact with a charity through Basildon carnival, for which he towed a float.

“When my dad died I had a big house sitting there empty. I was put in touch with a guy sleeping in a tent. I went and picked him up and said ‘You can have the run of the house’.

“That way, he had an address and could get work. I ended up with 15 people in there.”

In a cruel twist of fate, Tony became homeless himself when his late father’s house was repossessed.

“I was lucky,” he recalled. “I didn’t have to sleep rough. I had a vehicle and slept in my van a couple of nights. I could feed myself and had washing facilities.”

Now in Milton Regis with Debbie and their six-year-old son Harry, Tony makes nightly trips to Medway, giving out food and blankets.

“I have been doing this for a couple of months,” he said. “I’ve seen people wrapped up in blankets and freezing cold – you should not have to live like that.”

Tony, who has visited the Isle of Wight shelter, has found a bus and intends to make the necessary modifications for it to become a shelter – but he needs people’s support.

“I can buy a bus for £1,200,” he said. “I’m doing a single decker because I can do it quicker.

“It will have 12 beds in separate pods, a kitchen, toilet and washing facilities and a washing machine and tumble dryer.

“If I can get people to help, it could be ready by the end of March or beginning of April.”

It would be based in Medway, possibly in Chatham, and would be run by volunteers.

He added: “It won’t be my bus, it’s for the homeless. Everybody deserves a warm meal and warm bed every day of the year.”

Anyone who thinks they could help should call Tony on 07549 699287. To donate, visit the crowdfunding site and for more details, search for “The bus shelter helping the homeless in and around Kent” on Facebook.