A new fundraising shop is to open in Cirencester this weekend.

Founder of ‘The Big Yellow Bus Project’, Gerry Watkins, will be holding the official launch of his new fundraising shop in The Woolmarket.

Gerry founded The Big Yellow Bus Project last year to provide rough sleepers with free overnight accommodation as an alternative to sleeping on the streets. The bus provides hot meals and drinks as well as somewhere safe and welcoming to stay.

The new fundraising shop is to both raise funds for the ongoing running of the bus, but also to provide clothing for under £5 for those on low incomes as well as the homeless.

The Countess Bathurst will formally cut the ribbon during the opening.

"Having seen how tirelessly Gerry has worked on The Big Yellow Bus Project over the last few years, it’s wonderful to see the opening of this fantastic space which I know will become a massively vital part of the project," The Countess Bathurst said.

"The Big Yellow Bus has proved to be an incredibly positive influence in Cirencester, and we have all taken it to our hearts.

It is a privilege to be invited by Gerry to officially cut the ribbon and I believe with Gerry’s passion, energy and enthusiasm, as well as the support from so many of the kind people who live here, it will be a huge success."

The official launch will take place at 10am on Saturday, with the ribbon cutting at 10.30am.