Onboard the roadHoG church bus

The roadHoG bus is run by Lincolnshire Youth Mission

The roadHoG or House of God bus is owned by Lincolnshire Youth Mission Ltd, and is working in partnership with local churches in the area.

The bus will take the church out to young people in South Lincolnshire.

The purple double-decker has been refitted with bright purple seats, games consoles and televisions, it also has its very own prayer room.

The roadHoG bus is funded by donations and grants and it will visit communities in the Boston area.

The roadHoG bus was dedicated and opened by the Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Rev John Saxbee on Lincolnshire Day.

The double-decker bus will be out and about visiting communities in South Lincolnshire, where young people from all backgrounds will be welcomed onboard.

Inside the roadHoG bus

New horizons

Tony Coe is one of the people behind the project: "The idea came from back in 2001. Through my youth work, I realised that although Lincolnshire has big horizons, but for many young people, their horizons were quite limited. So as a youth worker, I wanted to do something to try and address that to encourage young people to aim higher.

"At that time, we also identified that it's difficult for churches to engage with young people because of stereotypes. So, we came up with the idea of a bus which would act as church, going out to young people. From there, the idea grew."

Warm and friendly

The idea that they'll be able to go onto a bus, which is warm and caring and they can share things, like religion and friendship, is excellent. Chris Walls, Giles School

The Giles School in Old Leake was the first stop for the bus. Headteacher Chris Walls says he was really excited when he first heard about the bus: "In these rural areas, lots of young people don't have a lot to do on an evening and the idea that they'll be able to go onto a bus, which is warm and caring and they can share things, like religion and friendship, is excellent."

The Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Rev John Saxbee said the roadHoG bus will play an important role engaging with young people.