A haulage firm is hoping to raise a lorry-load of cash for an Indian charity after putting out an appeal for a name for its new state-of-the-art truck.

Riches Transport, in Thetford, has taken on a new Volvo FH truck, which 'practically drives itself'.

But the company now needs the public's help to find a name for the truck and to raise funds for Educator's Trust India, based in Goa.

The Trust runs educational and welfare programmes in India and relies totally on donations and volunteers.

Chris Riches, owner, said the family-run business had been backing the charity for four years.

'Any donations are more than welcome. As an added incentive, I am offering the chance for someone to have one of our new 'Classic' Volvo FH trucks named after them - or with a name of their choice,' he said.

All the haulier's trucks are personally named and Mr Riches said he had the idea after visiting the Goan charity several times over the last few years.

'We've been personally involved in the charity for a few years and we go there each year for a month,' he said.

The company is also involved in supporting the charity 'El Shaddai' which helps relieve the suffering of homeless children in Goa.

He added that the new Volvo truck was a driver - and owner's - dream.

'It's one of the first ones that virtually drives itself.

'It puts the brakes on for you in emergency situations, keeps a safe distance from other vehicles and keeps tabs on the fuel we are putting in, which is obviously very important for us.

'As soon as someone puts fuel in it, we get an email to say how much, where and when. It's an amazing truck,' he said.

To qualify for the chance of winning, people will have to donate a minimum of £20 to be entered into the prize draw. Anyone can donate by visiting http://www.justgiving.com/Chris-Riches1

People can enter more than once to give themselves a better chance of winning, according to Mr Riches.

The winner will then be drawn on August 31 and contacted thereafter.