A Sprowston youth group is holding a sponsored walk to raise money for research into a rare medical condition.

Members of the Sprowston Youth Engagement Project have organised the event around Whitlingham Broad on April 27 to fund research into Stone Man Syndrome, or FOP.

The idea came from one of the group's young members after he found out about the condition, and met a young suffered online.

The condition affects the body's connective tissue, causing it to be replaced with bone when damaged – meaning that injuries can leave joints effectively frozen in place.

Youth worker Clare Lincoln said: 'One of our committee members, Conner Andrews, read about FOP in a magazine and then began talking to a girl who had the condition.

'He suggested that we do some fundraising, and the other members agreed.

'We decided on a sponsored walk and the theme Zombies vs Pirates. We thought it'd be a bit of fun to dress up while we were doing it, and might encourage people to get involved.'

Ms Lincoln said the group was hoping to raise 'as much as we can' for the charity Friends of Oliver, which funds research into FOP.

Walkers are being challenged to walk as many three-mile laps of Whitlingham as they can.

Ms Lincoln said she was considering introducing a competitive element by organising the zombies and pirates into teams.

The Sprowston Youth Engagement Project was set up two years ago as a way for young people in the area to socialise and relax with people their own age.

It meets every Tuesday between 6.30pm and 9.30pm at the Annex at St Cuthbert's Church in Sprowston.

The walk starts at 11am on Sunday, April 27 at Whitlingham Broad.

To sign up, email Clare Lincoln on clyouthworker@outlook.com or call 07823 321480.

Donations can be made at www.virginmoneygiving.com/zombiesvspirates