A POPULAR York rock band who became stranded in the US “without a dime” have thanked supporters who raised more than £1,700 to help bring them home.

The band Bull were forced to turn to crowdfunding when their plans for the tour of a lifetime around America took a turn for the worse.

The musicians flew out to New York and went to pick up an iconic Chevrolet school bus before driving to play at South by Southwest Festival.

But after the bus broke down and the group spent more than $1,500 trying to get it fixed, band member Tom Beer said he feared they would not be able to continue the tour or even get home.

He said : “We slept in the parking lot of an animal hospital for two days and after a lot more work we decided to scrap the bus.

“We had spent so much money on the bus that we decided to ask for help from our friends to ensure we can complete our remaining shows.

“We didn't know what to expect we just thought it could be the only way we could get back to England.”

Within 24 hours more than £1,700 has been raised for the band and they are delighted to be able to continue the tour, which will take them to Baltimore, Philadelphia, Boston, New Jersey and other venues.

Tom said: “This would have been completely impossible without the support from everyone who donated to our fundraising page.

“It's been a really stressful week or so, constantly back and forth not knowing whether the bus would live or die, what to do with the fixtures inside the bus and gear we have with us.

“Our new bus has just arrived though, thanks to the good people of the internet. We're very, very grateful. We are very lucky.”