TEENAGE Exmoor fund-raiser Will Thomas more than reached his target of walking 80,000 steps in eight days for an autism charity.

Will, who lives in Timberscombe, raised more than £500 for the Autism Initiatives Group, a charity which works across the UK and Ireland.

The 14-year-old aimed to walk 10,000 steps a day for more than a week, finishing on World Autism Acceptance Day.

In fact, Will walked a total of 93,702 steps, and easily beat his fund-raising target of £250.

His mother, Katy Thomas, said: “He fought against the wind and rain on most days but managed to complete his challenge well.

“Will walked around Timberscombe village, up on the moors, and he completed some of his walking at his favourite place Weymouth, in Dorset.

“Will is so thankful to everybody for supporting him.

“We are all so incredibly proud of him.”

He will receive a medal next month from Walk for Autism, which organised the national challenge and has so far raised nearly £412,000, and will also go on the charity's wall of fame for raising more than £500.

Will said he was grateful for all the kind messages and donations he received.

He said: “I am so happy that the money I have raised will help towards projects and activities to help others.”

Will, who raises money for different charities every year, decided to support the Autism Initiatives Group after he was diagnosed last summer with autism.

Autism affects more than 700,000 people in the UK and Ireland and Walk for Autism fund-raising manager Liz Oakley said: “This campaign is one of the biggest events of the year at Autism Initiatives Group.

“The campaign is so special to our team, as we see how much of an impact it makes every year.

“It really does help to improve the quality of life of the people we support.”

More information about the Autism Initiatives Group can be found by visiting its website at https://www.autisminitiatives.org.