An inspiring 450-mile charity walk has been praised by the Bishop of Thetford for helping people find spirituality in their everyday lives.

Bishop Ian has praised the endeavour supporting the Norfolk and Waveney homelessness charity, Emmaus.

He applauded the Walk of Kindness for showcasing how mundane acts hold the potential of bridging people "closer to something spiritual".

The charity walk, which started on August 26, will see residents and Emmaus' chief executive Cecile Roberts follow the Via Beata pilgrimage trail.

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This formidable journey will culminate at the charity's South Norfolk base in Ditchingham on World Homeless Day on October 10.

The initiative comes amid an alarming rise in homelessness figures, with Emmaus claiming an increased demand for its services.

Bishop Ian said: “The Via Beata as a project taps into something that’s really important in the nation at the moment.

"The whole idea of spiritual journeys and pilgrimage is something that I think has touched a lot of people who wouldn’t perhaps call themselves Christian.

"But actually can see in the journey of walking – looking around, spending time in nature, spending time with other people in conversation, discovering community – those are things that a lot of people realise we’ve lost a bit in our society.

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“So I think what they’re doing is perhaps signposting everybody in the nation to something they might find helpful, something that takes them closer to something spiritual."

Ms Roberts thanked the Bishop for his support. She said: "It was lovely to see Bishop Ian and great for him to spend time with the companions who are going on the Walk of Kindness.

"We really appreciate his good wishes for the journey and are looking forward to seeing him again when he joins the last leg."