A WOMAN who used her savings to buy a double-decker bus and transform into a mobile youth community centre has scooped an award.

Emily Finch was awarded the Christian Forum Gold Award for creating The Bus Stop charity - a scheme which teams up with local churches to engage with young people throughout York and Scarborough who are in need of support.

The Bus Stop was formed in 2014 when Emily and her friend Rosie Brabbs decided in their final year at university to use their savings to purchase the bus while on placement in York.

Emily said: “We both studied youth and community work at university and found that one of the biggest challenges faced in many communities is the lack of facilities and resources, particularly for young people.

“Statutory cuts have meant that many villages and communities do not have a youth centre or other recreational spaces for young people.

“We decided that the bus route would be targeted at areas in York that are deprived, picking children up from churches. We have had so much support from church members who regularly volunteer for us.”

The bus services has a selection of different routes. On Mondays it travels to Stamford Bridge, Wednesdays to Selby and to East Field on Fridays.

There is also a second bus that travels around the Scarborough and Filey district, which is led by Rosie.

The bus is filled with consoles, arts and crafts and a cafe.

Emily said: “The Bus Stop is mainly supporting teenagers, however, older members of the public, young mums and children often come on board."

So far, more than 5,000 young people have benefited from the support of Emily and her team.

She added: “We are here to listen to lots of people which can be difficult. It is challenging to hear of people suffering.”

On board the bus are trained youth workers and volunteers who train up local congregations in youth work.

They run sessions on issues such as mental health and safe relationships, as well as providing a safe space for young people to drop in and chat.

One bus service user said: “The bus gives you a safe space to hang out and it feels like your second family.”

Emily, from Filey, added that the charity works with churches to help them carry on social activities for children.

She said that after two years of working with one church The Bus Stop stopped the route and allowed the church to carry on the community centre work on its own.

Emily added: “We are hoping to start a new route for York in February.”

If you are interested in becoming a member of The Bus Stop, please visit www.busstop.org.uk.