A 78-year-old Taunton man has smashed his target and completed more than 1,000 press-ups in one hour.

The challenge took place at 11.30am today (July 1).

Paul Youd set the challenge for himself to complete 1000 press-ups, but instead managed 1,175. His efforts go to raise money for Taunton YMCA and the Taunton Association for the Homeless.

Mr Youd broke down the hour at Taunton YMCA by doing 20 reps a minute, leaving him with around 40 seconds of rest every minute. He averaged around 16 seconds for 20 press-ups.

He said: "The quicker I do them, the quicker I can have a rest!

"My message to kids is this: if I can do it, then so can they.

"I put it all down to my fasting. If I hadn't lost those 24 pounds then I wouldn't be able to do that.

"I didn't eat starting after dinner on Wednesday. I fasted for 24 hours then ate last night. I haven't had anything to eat so far today. I believe that the temporary fast helps your muscles grow strong, just like exercise does."

Keith Jarvis, of Taunton YMCA, said: "He is my inspiration. Before Paul I couldn't even do two press-ups, and now I can manage 40 in the morning.

"It is all down to Paul's inspiration."

Mr Youd learnt about temporary fasting from a Mumsnet post, and then went on to learn how to do a proper press-up.

Kids from the YMCA senior youth club came to watch and support Mr Youd, a few even joined in with some press-ups themselves.

Rosie Hather, fundraising and communications officer for the Taunton Association for the Homeless, said:"This is definitely the most extraordinary fundraising we have seen.

"It is definitely something different."

Mr Jarvis and Joy Garland from the YMCA timed and counted the press-ups, whilst giving Mr Youd continued support.

He managed to hit his target of 1000 in 52 minutes, and then went on to do as many as he could in the hour.

After the hour, Mr Youd said: "I am feeling pretty good. I am happy with how many I did.

"I wanted to find something I could train at home, I hate going to gyms.

"You've got to do something different, and now I will be thinking of my next challenge. Maybe I will see how many I can do in one day."

Mr Youd is hoping people will sponsor him 1p for every press-up completed. He has already raised over £500 for the two charities.

Those wishing to donate should do so by July 14 by visiting the JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Paul-Youd