A pair of nine-year-olds from Cheddar are taking on their very own Green Team 200 Mile Challenge to raise funds for Somerset's wildlife.

The intrepid duo has set out to walk and cycle 200 miles before going back to school, to raise funds for Somerset Wildlife Trust.

With many major fundraising events cancelled or postponed this year, such as the Virgin Money London Marathon and Prudential Ride London-Surrey 100, charities like Somerset Wildlife Trust are relying on people taking part in virtual fundraising events such as The 2.6 Challenge and MyRideLondon to help raise much needed funds this year.

However, this pair of young environmentalists have gone a step further by creating their own fundraising challenge.

Louisa and her friend Bea have spent their time in lockdown making plans to help the environment.

After many hours of video chat and lots of ideas, posters were made, tickets were designed, and events were planned for when life returned to normal.

However, when you're nine "normal" seems a very long way off at the moment, and the pair felt they needed to do something now to help nature here in Somerset.

The duo, along with their brothers Harry and Albert as support crew, settled on one idea – The Green Team 200 Mile Challenge.

In the last four weeks of the summer holidays, Bea and Louisa, along with their support crew, have set out to cover an impressive 200 miles by foot and bike, while raising money for Somerset Wildlife Trust, who undertake vital work protecting wildlife and wild places in Somerset.

Louisa said: "I really like spending time in nature.

"During lockdown we have seen lots of amazing wildlife. One of my favourite things was a woodpecker nest.

"We went to see it every day. I want to raise money for Somerset Wildlife Trust because they help keep the wildlife that I love safe."

Kelly, Louisa's mum, said: "I'm really proud of them.

"Like so many children, Louisa and Bea are worried about our world. They're so determined to help and to make a difference.

"We're realising that 200 miles is a long way, especially on little legs, but they're determined to complete their challenge and support Somerset Wildlife Trust."

Kate Wilson, community and events fundraising manager for Somerset Wildlife Trust, said: "I'm so inspired by these two girls and their feeling of urgency to do something right now.

"It's heart-warming to know that Somerset's wildlife has champions out there as young as nine who are as passionate about Somerset's beautiful and diverse wildlife as we are.

"I, along with all of the staff and trustees at Somerset Wildlife Trust, would like to thank them both and wish them the best of luck with their tremendous challenge."

If you'd like to support them in their quest, you can sponsor them at https://bit.ly/30S54xf or by searching Bea and Louisa – The Green Team on Virgin Money Giving.