Young Jack Parker, who lives in Russet Close, Wellington, has been going the extra mile to raise money for the animals at Dartmoor Zoo.

The 11-year-old St John’s Primary School pupil is running the 26.5 miles equivalent of a marathon over three weeks to coin in the cash.

He is running with his dad Alan during the one-hour exercise they are allowed every day under coronavirus restrictions.

Jack began with a fundraising target of £250 but by Wednesday morning had raised £1,073.

He said: “’I’ve been reading how zoos in the UK are struggling due to the Covid-19 virus and I would like to help. It costs £11,500 a week to keep the animals fed and safe at Dartmoor Zoo and they are running out of money.”

Anyone who would like to help Jack’s fundraising campaign should visit www.justgiving.com and search for Jayne Parker.