BIG HEARTED bus drivers from National Express will be reduced to a walking pace later this month - but it's all for a good cause.

The drivers, who are based at the Pensnett depot, will be stepping out for a charity walk along the 205 service, now known as the 5, from Dudley Bus Station to Kingswinford.

The walk will take in a route of approximately four and three quarter miles via Russells Hall Hospital and High Oak.

Drivers will be joined by family and friends as they attempt to raise funds for Living Springs, which is their chosen charity for the year.

The event is being organised by champion charity fundraiser David Gerrard, who is community ambassador for the Pensnett bus drivers.

He said: "I'm hoping to get 25 to 30 drivers taking part, but the walk is open to anyone who wants to take part.

"We will be meeting at our Pensnett Bus Garage on the Pensnett Trading Estate for 10.30am on Sunday September 23 from where we will be bussed out to Dudley Bus Station for an 11am start.

"The objective is to raise as much money as we can for a great charity but also to raise awareness of Living Springs, which is a residential family centre based near Stourton and offers support to mums and young children who have suffered a bad time.

"We've already raised around £300 from a cake sale and raffle. We also had a World Cup sweepstake and I'm being sponsored not to tell any jokes for two months.

"We're also hoping that anyone who can't make the walk will provide a donation for Living Springs because they desperately need the money."