A BRADFORD community worker is walking 20 miles along the Leeds-Liverpool canal to support victims of a tropical storm.

Muppett, who changed his name by deed poll, is raising money for the Dominica disaster appeal after storm Erika struck at the end of August, causing flooding and mudslides.

The storm killed at least 20 people and left more than 50 missing on the Caribbean island.

Access by road to communities was impossible, cutting some towns off from the rest of the country and about 1,000 inhabitants had to be evacuated from the small town of Petite-Savanne in fear of more landslides.

Hundreds of homes were destroyed in the storm which whipped the island, bringing strong winds and ten to 12 inches of heavy rain in less than 12 hours.

The country has appealed for international aid and has estimated that damage from the storm could set the country’s development back two decades.

Muppett, who is 53 and works for community empowering organisation CNet in Bradford, said he hoped people would dig deep in their pockets and turn out to support him on Sunday, October 20 when he walks the 20 miles from Apperley Bridge to Skipton, setting off at 10am.

Usually Muppett's charity walks are in aid of the Children's Liver Disease Foundation who have helped his grandson Amos Pascal Harker, who needed surgery when he was just weeks old and could face a liver transplant one day.

Muppett, of Thorpe Edge, said: "I'm doing this walk for the Dominica Disaster Appeal because my dad's side of the family were from there.I don't have any family there now but because of the link, my thoughts are very much with the people who have suffered the storm."

The Bradford Dominican Association, based in Worthington Street, has already set up a relief committee organising donations of clothing and non-perishable goods to be delivered to the Dominica High Commission in London, any money given is going to the Dominican Red Cross.

Bucket collections were taken at the recent Saltaire Festival and other planned events include a dance on October 10 at the Dominica Association with Selah Sounds headlining. Dominica Week, between October 31 and November 7, will see events again at the Dominica Association and at the Bradford Playhouse.

Anyone wanting to sponsor Muppett's walk can contact him via CNet by emailing muppett@cnet.org.uk or by calling 01274-305045 to arrange a donation.