An eight-year-old boy from Ambleside has set himself the challenge of running every day in January to raise money for cats in need.

Joss Tyson was inspired to take on the challenge after spotting his neighbour’s vegan cake fundraiser for charity Cats Protection.

With Joss already owning a pet cat, Margherita, who came from a rescue centre, the youngster was even more motivated to raise money.

The Mail: OWNER: Joss alongside his cat Picture: Jim TysonOWNER: Joss alongside his cat Picture: Jim Tyson

Despite temperatures now often hovering around freezing, and with snow on the ground, Joss has not been deterred.

Joss said: “I’m not worried about the cold or wet weather, I just want to help cats. I run for my local running club, Ambleside AC, in all kinds of weather so I am used to it.

“I’ve being doing my runs around Ambleside with mummy and daddy and my favourite places to run are Loughrigg Fell, Jenkins Crag and Wansfell.”

Joss’ passion for running has been passed down from his father, Jim, who also runs for Ambleside AC.

The Mail: AMBLESIDE: Joss is a member of Ambleside AC Picture: Jim TysonAMBLESIDE: Joss is a member of Ambleside AC Picture: Jim Tyson

In 2015, Jim completed his own running challenge, as he ran every day of the year to raise money for Parkinson’s UK, and is delighted to see his son follow in his footsteps.

“We are very proud of Joss, especially as he came up with the idea and set up his JustGiving page all by himself," he said.

"He was moved to do it after firstly seeing the cake sale set up by someone down the road, and then by watching Cats Protection videos on YouTube.”

Cats Protection events officer Gina Rogers said: “We want to say a huge thank you to Joss for his absolute dedication to this challenge, for running through sub-zero temperatures and snow; the cats in our care will really benefit from all those miles.”

To donate to Joss’ fundraising drive visit his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joss-tyson