AN eight-year-old boy from Somerset has committed to climbing Mount Snowdon in order to help local wildlife.

Charlie, who lives in Glastonbury, will scale the 1,085m peak with his mum on Sunday, June 30.

He is raising money for Secret World Wildlife Rescue, a charity based in Highbridge that rescues, rehabilitate and releases British wildlife.

Charlie will be joined by his mum, who will climb the mountain as part of her own three peaks challenge.

"Secret World is important to me because it’s full of wildlife, and I love all animals," Charlie said. 

"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 sometimes they 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 release 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."

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

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.

"We think he's going to do very well and hopefully encourage more young people to help wildlife.”