A MOVING anthology written and published by students to raise awareness of homelessness has been launched by comedian Dave Spikey.

Entitled Homelessness, the book by Bolton Sixth Form CollegE won praise from the Bolton comic along with best-selling author Ian Rankin and acclaimed actor Michael Sheen.

The launch took place on Saturday at Waterstones in Bolton, as students, college staff and members of the public gathered to hear Mr Spikey’s thoughts on the book.

The publication features short stories, photographs and poems by students and staff to raise awareness of the issue and also features organisations like Urban Outreach and The Big Issue.

Mr Spikey took time out of his busy schedule to be at the book launch and said: “There are some really touching words in the book and it’s so relevant to today. We see so many people sitting on the streets and I think that I can talk for a lot of people in saying that it’s almost become normal, we walk past them and forget that those people actually don’t have somewhere they can call home.

“I think it’s remarkable that the students have pulled together to create this book and it will work as a huge reminder for the next time you walk past someone sitting on a pavement, perhaps stop and give them your time of day. We’re all people and no one deserves to live a life on the streets.”

Sharon Jones, senior tutor and literacy coordinator, said: “It started off as a writing competition to raise awareness of homelessness through literacy after I was approached by one of our students Jake Kirkman.

“So many people got involved, teachers and students from different departments and we realised that we could turn it into something bigger.”

The “editorial” team used social media to promote the book, with author Rankin, comic Spikey and actor Michael Sheen tweeting their praise and support for it.

Ms Jones said: “Jake has been amazing in leading the project, without him we wouldn’t have started it and the response we’ve had has been incredible. Everyone who has been involved in some way or another has contributed so much to the publication and it seriously shows that young people have compassion and understanding of the issues.

“It gives hope for the future for when these young people go on to on to university and into work they can make a change.”

The book is priced £1, which is a minimum donation, and all funds raised from the sale will go to Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme.

Ms Jones added: “It’s not all about raising the money this time, it’s actually about raising awareness. That’s our aim and we hope that for every £1 that is spent on a copy of the book, perhaps 10 people will read it and those people will learn more about how people struggle to survive on the streets.

“It’s important that people are aware of homelessness and I think this book will educate a lot of people about the issue.”

Jake said: “I worked with homeless people a lot last year and it made me realise I wanted to do something to help them even more. So far we seem to have sold half of the 500 books we printed and I hope that it helps to make a difference.

“This is only a small part of what we can do to help anyone without a home.”

Copies of the book are available at Waterstones in Bolton.