A young man from Somerset is taking on a big hiking challenge to raise money for a local wildlife rescue charity.

Charlie, who lives in Glastonbury, is a wildlife-loving 8-year-old and wanted to do something to help sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. His mum is doing the Three Peaks challenge in June, and he has decided to join her for the Mount Snowdon climb on 30th June. He is raising money for Secret World Wildlife Rescue, a charity based in Highbridge that rescues, rehabilitate and releases British wildlife.

Here's why he's taken on this challenge, in his own words:

"Hi my name is Charlie Webb and I am 8 years old. Secret world is important to me because it's full of wildlife, and I love all animals. Also I think Secret World is important as wild animals don't have owners to take care of them, to tell them what to do and what not not to do, so some times the get stuck in fences and rubbish.

Secret world will save them or if they are unwell will treat them in their vet room/ hospital until they are better and realise them back into the wild. I would like to raise money to help them continue saving and looking after these wild animals and build more centres for them. Thank you Charlie Webb"

David Plant, Fundraising Manager at Secret World Wildlife Rescue, added:

"We're honoured that Charlie chose us to raise money for and we're so proud of him for climbing Wales' highest mountain. He's a real inspiration and is very enthusiastic about helping animals. He'll be joined on the day by his badger mascot – also called David! – and we hope you'll join us in cheering him on.

He has already smashed his very modest target of £250 (more than doubled it at the time of writing.) We think he's going to do very well and hopefully encourage more young people to help wildlife."

You can support Charlie by donating to his JustGiving page, where you'll also be able to read his training updates: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jo-webv-1713466124740