Charity walkers spurred on by letter from Queen

Cecile Roberts (left) said she was "really chuffed" and felt the group had received royal recognition for its fundraising efforts

Charity fundraisers walking across Britain say a letter from The Queen has put a "spring in their step".

The walkers, from homelessness charity Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney, are currently trekking 450 miles (724km) from St Davids, Pembrokeshire, to its base in Ditchingham, Norfolk.

The Queen, a patron of Emmaus since 2006, wrote to say "how very impressed" she was with the team, which includes four people who have benefited from its work.

Cecile Roberts, chief executive of Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney, said: "I'm really chuffed actually... I feel like there's been recognition from our royal patron about the walk."

The group's six-week "Walk of Kindness" is due to finish on Thursday, designated World Homeless Day.

The Queen's letter said: "As the proud patron of Emmaus I wanted to write to say how very impressed I am that you, Chloe, Jagger and Peter are currently walking from St David's to Ditchingham to raise awareness of your vital work.

"Please do write and let me know of your experiences when you get safely back to Norfolk.""

'So proud'

The group said the letter had encouraged them and given them a "boost" and a "spring in their step".

Ms Roberts said she was "so proud" of the walkers and wanted to invite the Queen for tea and cake.

"It's not been a picnic; it's not been a holiday," she said.

"We have walked really long routes; we got really wet, got really tired, done all our own back-up vehicles and cooking - we haven't stopped.

"It's not been a walking holiday... they've all been through a lot in their lives and they've really pulled together as a team."

The group hopes to help the charity grow and support more people, and to open a bed and breakfast within its 19th Century convent site.