Kind-hearted boy runs to now-closed Tarleton school every day to raise thousands for Preston charity.

For that is how much cash young Ollie Ascroft has netted for charity after running to and from his school each day.

The 10-year-old from Hesketh Bank, has been doing the daily sprint to his primary school in the next village to boost funds for families in need.

In just two weeks, he smashed his target to raise money for the TippyToes Baby Bank charity, based in Preston, by running from his home to his temporarily closed school, Tarleton Community Primary in Hesketh Lane.

Using an app to track his speed and distance, the sporty youngster set out to run the distance of a marathon, 26 miles, and hoped to collect around £500. But, over the weekend contributions to his Go Fund Me page swelled to the £3,000 mark.

The charity set up last year, provides essential items to families in desperate need around the county, such as milk formula, nappies, wipes, second-hand clothes, equipment, furniture, toiletries and donations.

Organisers have seen a huge increase in demand since the coronavarius lock down.

Ollie, who lives with his parents, Brad and Gemma Ascroft, and sisters, Sienna, seven, and Deia, 20 months, was inspired to help the charity after reading about its work and wanted to use his time in lockdown to do something positive to help families in need.

He said: "I love sports and enjoy being active so I wanted to use that to do something to help others while I’m off school and have the chance."

Mum Gemma added: " Ollie has always been a very thoughtful, kind and caring boy and he’s very aware that there are families who are really struggling at this difficult time, so I’m not surprised at all that he came up with this brilliant idea to help others.

"Initially, he was aiming to raise £500 and we’re extremely proud of him.

The only downside to this is that I have to run all that way with him."

Tippy Toes founder Sue Wade, said the charity had helped more than 900 families in the past year and added: "We are amazed by Ollie's determination and energy to carry out this feat at his young age.

"We are also astounded at his thoughtfulness and generosity to want to raise funds for our charity and we hope that it encourages others to set themselves personal challenges to also help support us.

"The money Ollie raises will be helping us to assist so many families to get through this hugely challenging time."

Ollie is the youngest person to raise funds for the charity so far.

It’s not the first time the youngster has impressed with his determination and sporting achievements.

Aged eight, he became the youngest ever karate black belt member of the Black Belt Leadership Academy in Hesketh Lane.

A Liverpool FC fanatic , he also plays football for Hesketh Bank Football Club U11s.

Ollie's headteacher Chris Uption said: " Everyone at school is tremendously proud of him and the way he has not only thought of others but acted on it. He is a real role model to us all. "