A morris dancing side moved by the numbers of homeless people has danced its way to raising funds for them.
Hurst Morris People has just handed over £564 to The Ark Project charity.
The money will help get The Ark’s double decker bus back on the road, once again providing temporary beds for homeless people in Berkshire.
The morris side, known as HuMP, fundraised at their barn dance, maypole dancing day and other events.
Squire (leader) Karen Ricketts said: “We were pleased to help this charity with its valuable work. We’re now choosing our charity for the coming year.”
The Ark trustee secretary Siana Longsmith said: “Our bus is off the road at the moment for repair and maintenance.
“The money will help get it out again before it gets really cold for outside sleepers. We do appreciate HuMP’s help and support.”
The bus provides 11 temporary beds in Reading area until a permanent home can be found for the people involved or until they can have drugs or alcohol abuse rehabilitation.
A new Ark project is about to start. The A1 Group in Highland Avenue, Wokingham has converted a former prison van into a mobile shower and toilet unit. At the moment helpful local gyms provide showers.
The Ark founder Michael Longsmith said: “The unit will mean we can bring a shower and clean clothes where ever needed.”
The cheque presentation was made at one of HuMP’s taster sessions. Eight new people came along to try morris dancing with existing members.
Squire Karen Ricketts praised the newcomers’ enthusiasm and sense of fun.
For more on Hurst Morris, log on to www.hump.org.uk
The Ark details are at www.communityactionarkproject.org
