A group of walkers on a mission to raise cash for a homeless hostel have successfully completed the first leg of their 150 mile challenge.

The ‘Loopy Walkers’, made up of volunteers, trustees and colleagues at Branches in Forest Road, Walthamstow trekked from Chingford to Harold Wood, Essex on Saturday.

Last year, they raised £2,300 for the charity by walking the Capital Ring and are hoping to raise at least £5,000 on this year’s expedition - the London Loop.

Money raised will go towards the charity’s resettlement services which aim to equip residents with the skills necessary to enable them to thrive once placed in independent accommodation.

Last weekend’s journey of 16 miles was the first of 10 walks which will take place from April to September.

Winston Reid, trustee and organiser of the walk said: "We are really grateful to the many friends who turned out on the day to support us and to the many local businesses who have agreed to sponsor us for a £1 a mile and who provided the T-shirts for the walkers.”

The next leg of the walk, from Harold Wood to Purfleet, will take place later this month.

To sponsor a mile for £1 or more click here.