AROUND 250 young people have made use of a mobile youth centre/church each month since it hit the road in Boston six months ago.

Run by the Lincolnshire Youth Mission Ltd, the RoadHoG – the House of God on the road – bus was launched on Lincolnshire Day on October 1.

It now works with three local secondary schools during the day and every fortnight visits three communities in the evening.

Project manager Tony Coe told the Target: "A project of this nature will take time to establish itself but we are pleased to report that the response from young people, primarily of secondary school age, has been very encouraging.

"On average we have welcomed over 250 young people every month working with them in various capacities.

"It may sound a strange idea operating a mobile church but it is the local churches' response to providing some practical support to young people in our area.

"It also demonstrates that the Christian church continues to engage and relate with young people."

Haven High Technology College is among the schools the bus regularly visits.

Faculty leader of social studies Sarah Toyne said: "Year 7 and 8 students at Haven High Technology College speak highly of their visits to the RoadHoG bus.

"Tony and Mikki were enthusiastic in their innovative sessions based around community, working in partnership and supporting others.

"The high tech bus and fast-paced sessions received positive responses from everyone.

"The visits have added to the continued development of community cohesion and the spiritual dimension within the college.

"Currently we are working with Tony to develop sessions for the Key Stage 4 students in readiness for their GCSE Religious Education examinations this summer.

"Not many students can say they have had RE lessons on a hi-tech, super modern, double decker bus."

The community visits are hosted by trained and CRB cleared volunteers from the local churches.

The bus will next be visiting for an hour at Wrangle Chapel car park on March 23 at 7.30pm and Somerfield car park on March 26 also at 7.30pm.

The project has been funded from individuals, churches across the denominations and larger funders such as the Methodist District and the Diocese of Lincoln.

Many local people support the project by donating bus tickets either as a one-off or regularly.

Every bus ticket donated effectively means the bus can meet one young person out on the road.

More information can be found by logging onto www.roadhogbus.org.uk