When Theo Tomlinson heard about the Darwen Moors fires, he knew he had to do something to help.

The five-year-old is a huge fan of the fire service, his parents regularly take him past his local fire station in Astley Bridge where he always checks to see if the fire engine is there.

After seeing the moors on the news he decided to raise money for the firefighters by completing a 20 mile cycling challenge.

Theo,who attends Saint Matthew's Primary School, has been riding his bike for around three miles every evening this week, followed by his parents on foot and his younger sister Bella in her pram.

He aims to raise £500 for the fire service, so far £257 has been donated. Originally Theo was going to finish his challenge today, however, due to bad weather he will finish tomorrow.

Theo's mum Kim said: "When the moors fires came up on the news Theo said how they were putting their lives in danger and he wanted to do something for them.

"He was really upset by the fires and was worried for all the animals up there.

"Theo decided that he would ride his bike to raise money for them, so we organised to do it every evening.

"On average it's been around 2.8 miles each day, it takes him around an hour. We all go out as family and his younger sister Bella takes part in her pram.

"Theo's really enjoyed it, it's improved his cycling skills too and given him a lot more confidence.

"When he was little he went to the Little Angels nursery which is right next to the fire station so everyday he would walk past and his fascination started from there.

"We've written to the fire service explaining what he's doing. In fact, before the challenge Theo had already been invited to visit the fire station by the station manager because he's always walking past.

"Hopefully once lockdown is over he'll be able to see the engine up close and how it all works.

"I'm so proud of him, apart from the odd sponsored silence at school this is the first time he's wanted to do a fundraising event himself.

"It's given him a challenge to focus on during lockdown. The support we've had from family and friends has been amazing too.

"The concept of money is quite big for Theo and he never expected to raise this much."

To donate to Theo's fundraiser visit his Crowdfunding page.