A YOUNG Hampshire boy cycled more than 170 miles to raise money for an NHS charity.

Harry White, 11, set himself the tough challenge of cycling at least five miles every day throughout May, and the youngster raised more than £1,200 for the Solent NHS Trust in the process.

The 11-year-old came up with the idea of "Harry's Big Bike Ride" after seeing Captain Tom walk 100 laps before his 100th birthday to fundraise for the NHS, and he was flooded with support from friends and family.

Speaking on his challenge, Harry said: “I wanted to raise money like Captain Tom so I could help the people that are working with my mummy during coronavirus and make them feel good.”

Harry, who is in year six at Compton All Saints Church of England Primary School in Winchester, chose to donate the money he raised to the Solent NHS Trust because his mum, Karen, works there as a frontline worker for the charity's Central Community Independence Service.

This service helps people that have been discharged from hospital - including those who have recovered from the coronavirus - and those that are struggling in the community, to regain independence.

Speaking on her son’s incredible efforts, Karen said: “I am so proud of Harry. His level of commitment has been amazing, he’s been excited to go out on his bike every day. The people I work with are so grateful to him, they are such a dedicated and hard-working team, and this has given them a fantastic boost.”