CYCLING novice Evie Broddle became a veteran in a month.

The ten-year-old from Stoke St Gregory only learnt to ride a bike this year, but has just completed a 609-mile sponsored bike ride.

Evie had set out to cover 500 miles across the Somerset Levels to support Compass Disability Services, but she easily smashed through her target.

She also beat the ÂŁ500 she had set out to raise - so far she has collected almost ÂŁ5,000 for the charity.

She was welcomed over the finish line by locals at Williams Hall, in Stoke St Gregory on the final day of her challenge, which had seen her handle wind, rain, hail and thunder.

She fell off a couple of times along the way, which saw her accompanied by stepdad Matt Monk.

On completing the ride, Evie said: "“It was tough at times but I am proud of myself. Thank you everybody.

"I don’t think that I am special. I think it is all the people who are giving money that are."

Mum Rachael said: "I am unashamedly proud of Evie. She has been a real trooper throughout.

"She has had the most amazing support from so many people and I cannot thank them enough.

"Her local community who came out to give her roadside 'GoEvie' shout outs.

"The local business community have really helped to raise awareness of her challenge.

"The cycling community around the country created a Twitter storm to get the #GoEvie message out."

Among willing her on were Paralympians Steve Bate and Jody Cundy.

Evie also featured in a series of 13 of ordinary people who have made a significant contribution to their community during lockdown created by local artist Jo Holdaway.

Compass operations manager Michelle Edwards said: "I have been amazed by Evie, who is tiny and quite quiet until she gets on her bike and then she becomes a giant.

"The support that she has received really is very worthy recognition for the determination and grit that she has shown throughout her amazing journey.

"The money that she has raised means so much to us.

"Like so many charities we have been hit hard by the pandemic but this will really help us to get back on our feet, once we are able to do so, and help us to bring the services back that are so important to our community."

Mum Rachael said: "I am unashamedly proud of Evie. She has been a real trooper throughout.

"She has had the most amazing support from so many people and I cannot thank them enough.

"Her local community who came out to give her roadside 'GoEvie' shout outs.

"The local business community have really helped to raise awareness of her challenge.

"The cycling community around the country created a Twitter storm to get the #GoEvie message out."

Among willing her on were Paralympians Steve Bate and Jody Cundy.

Evie also featured in a series of 13 of ordinary people who have made a significant contribution to their community during lockdown created by local artist Jo Holdaway.

For anyone that has been inspired by Evie’s story her fundraising page remains open at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/EvieBrod. Evie will continue to ride and enjoy the wonderful Somerset Levels and may even plan more fundraisers in the future. Evie said, “It was tough at times but I am proud of myself. Thank you everybody WOW!”