Eight people from Elstree and Borehamwood walked 50 miles through a desert in Israel to help a project that provides people with water.

The group took part in Jewish National Fund's (JNF) 15th Walk for Water, which lasted four days and took place in the 35 degree heat of the Judean desert and Dead Sea area.

Participants walked eight hours a day, totalling more than 50 miles, for charity.

Despite being called the Dead Sea Stroll this year, Miriam Reissner, 22, of Hartfield Close, Elstree said: “It was the furthest you could get from a stroll. Sometimes it was like clinging on for dear life, but we were all in it together.

“It was an amazing experience for important causes."

JNF, a UK-based charity, raises money for water projects, reservoirs and water conservation, as well as creating diverse projects for underprivileged people, such as a hospital, a riding school for the disabled, and a youth village.

This year walkers raised money and awareness for initiatives to promote new homes and life in the Negev Desert.

Some of the money raised will go to helping thousands of families relocate from the overcrowded cities of central and northern Israel to the largely uninhabited desert.

Participants visited the Arad medical centre where their money will continue its ability to provide emergency medical care for the residents of development town, Arad, and the southern Negev, as well serving tourists visiting the popular Dead Sea Area.

Money will also go towards further projects including the future development of Aleh Negev, a village which cares for the severely disabled, whilst also integrating them into the wider community.

The group ended on the top of Masada where they were presented with medals.

For more information, see jnf.co.uk/campaigns/walk-for-water