A group of walking enthusiasts has completed a challenge to walk 184 miles along the length of the River Thames.

The Loopy Walkers completed its third and final fundraising challenge on September 7 - walking along the River Thames from its source in the Cotswolds to the Thames Barrier.

The journey was in aid of homeless charity Branches, a hostel in Forest Road, Walthamstow.

The money will go to help with the running of the hostel, and to recruit a specialist mental health clinical practitioner – something vitally needed as the hostel supports residents with mental health needs.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Organiser of the walk, Winston Reid, is pictured at the back. Photo: Winston Reid

Walk organiser and trustee of Branches, Winston Reid said: “It was a great experience walking through the Thames Valley and for such a vital service at Branches. I greatly appreciate the support from my fellow LOOPY Walkers, supporters, sponsors and all the local businesses that collected money from their customers on our behalf. Without these people, it would not have been possible for our challenge to have been so successful.”

Past challenges have included walking the London LOOP (150 miles) and London’s Capital Ring Walk (78 miles). This has gone to raise £9,000 for kitchen equipment and resettlement service.

The group's current challenge has raised £4,000 and it is on its way to exceeding its target of £5,000 by the end of October 2019.

If you would like to support the group's fundraising efforts, visit: www.give.net/ThamesPathChallenge2019