A GROUP of walkers has raised £500 for a charity which helps less able people get out and about.

The Nuclear Striders walking group wanted to support the work of Freedom Wizard, a Penrith-based charity which takes people to fell tops and forests using an all-terrain-chair.

The West Cumbrian striders are a group of friends primarily from the nuclear industry that have been walking together for many years. In March 2017, they introduced a scheme which involves them each making a voluntary donation of £2 every time they go on a group walk.

Walker Phil Campbell, of Papcastle, said: "The idea is that we can give something back for our enjoyment of walking the fells. So far we have raised £1,200."

In 2017 they donated £500 to Fix the Fells, last year they donated £200 to the project to reinstate the Keswick to Threlkeld footpath along the old railway line.

"We have now decided to make a donation to a smaller organisation where our donation should make a bigger impact and have chosen Freedom Wizard," said Phil.

"Their work allows those who are no longer able to visit the fell tops (or forests or lake paths) under their own steam, by accompanying people using all-terrain-chairs."

At their annual lunch at The Trout, in Cockermouth, the group presented a cheque to Allie Pennington, founder of freedom Wizard.