A Norwich charity is calling on people to pull on their walking boots to help vulnerable people to get out and about.

Norwich Door to Door offers a lifeline to people with mobility problems, taking them to hospital appointments or on shopping trips every week and helping them to maintain their independence.

But demand for the service is outstripping capacity, and the charity needs a replacement bus so its eight-strong fleet can keep making the 2,000 trips a month it does currently.

The charity has organised a sponsored walk along the picturesque Wherryman's Way on August 11 to raise the final £2,000 needed to buy the new bus, with walkers offered a choice of six-mile, 12-mile or 26-mile routes.

Ruby Clift, logistics coordinator, said: 'We really want to make this event a success and encourage all to sign up – individuals, teams and families are all welcome.'

Miss Clift said the new bus would benefit people in need across Norwich, adding: 'For many people, their trips with us are their only trips out of the house during the week.

'We have had to limit people to two trips a week because we have so many people on the waiting list. That means one health appointment and one shopping trip.

'When I speak to passengers they explain that they have got no one else to rely on. With us they know they have a dependable lift.'

The new bus will have a bigger capacity and a larger lift, meaning all wheelchairs can be accommodated, and will also be more reliable than the ageing vehicle it will replace.

Norwich Door to Door works with disabled adults, children and the elderly and their carers from its base at Norwich Community Hospital in Bowthorpe Road.

Since being founded in 1992 it has acted as a lifeline to people unable to get out on their own, and has helped them to make their own contribution to their communities, improve their confidence and quality of life and reduce their social isolation.

The walk has been organised with Surlingham-based training provider MoCo. Entry is £5 - walkers raising £100 in sponsorship have their fee refunded. See www.norwichdoortodoor.org.uk or call 01603 776735.