Trustees and colleagues at a homeless hostel who are walking the London Loop have reached the half-way point of the 150 mile challenge – and raised more than £2,800.

The ‘Loopy Walkers’ are on a mission to raise cash for resettlement services at Branches Hostel which aim to equip homeless men and women with the tools they need to live independently.

Staff at the hostel in Forest Road, Walthamstow, are being accompanied by friends as they make their way around the city in 10 stages of 15 miles from April to September.

After raising £2,300 last year by walking the 78-mile Capital Ring, the group of 11 decided to take on the more demanding journey this summer and raise awareness about the charity.

Winston Reid, trustee and organiser of the walk, said: "We are really grateful to the many friends who have supported us on the four stages so far and to the many local businesses who have agreed to sponsor us financially and by providing t-shirts for the walkers.”

Determined to raise at least £5,000, the walkers travelled from Hamsey Green to Ewell West station on Saturday (June 16), where they enjoyed the Kent countryside of Kenley Common, Happy Valley and Mayfield Lavender Fields.

The day ended with a walk through the historic Nonsuch Park.

Stage 6, from Ewell West to Hatton Cross Green, will take place on July 7

Each year, the 27-bed hostel’s resettlement services helps scores of people transition from sheltered living to actively contributing to the community while living on their own.

To sponsor the Loopy Walkers for £1 or more per mile, visit www.give.net/TheLOOPChallenge2018