A 10-year-old from Street has raised more than £300 for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association by completing a 100-mile ride.

Leon Smith, who attends Year 6 at Catcott School, took on a challenge called Cycle 100 in aid of the Guide Dogs back in July last year. The aim was to cycle, swim or run 100 miles spread out over time before the end of 2020.

Leon is very keen on dogs but due to various reasons, it would be very difficult to keep one so his dad Damon suggested that he attempt this challenge to help the Guide Dogs charity raise vital funds to help train future dogs in helping partially sighted and total sight loss patients with day to day living and to help keep them safe.

Damon told Street Nub News: "During the summer and autumn period Leon and I have been cycling various routes over the Somerset Levels and tackling routes on the National Cycle Network along canals and also disused railway lines.

"The routes ranged from small four-mile routes to a 20-mile route in one day all working towards reaching the 100-mile target and trying to find cheeky hot chocolate or ice cold drink stops along the way.

"He has successfully raised £330 and big thanks to everyone that has donated, it really gave Leon that extra push to get the job done. He has now received a certificate, medal, trophy and cycling jersey rewarding him for his efforts."

Leon said: "I love dogs and I wanted to help a dogs charity, my Dad suggested this challenge and thought, why not?

"I have enjoyed the rides but sometimes found it hard work and was really tired but I would like to thank my Dad for all his encouragement. I also like all my Dad's motorcycle racing trophies and wanted to try and earn one of my own."

Damon said that it was sometimes hard with a few tears along the way but with encouragement and perseverance, Leon has achieved his target.

"I'm hoping once lockdown restrictions allow, I could take him to a Guide Dog training centre to see what his hard work and fundraising goes towards," Damon said.

"Now thoughts turn to what challenge is up next but Leon is quite happy at the moment to enjoy a well earned rest."