A six-year-old boy from Bangor ran six kilometres on Sunday to raise money for the Cancer Fund for Children.

Leo Southall, a P2 pupil at Ballyholme Primary School, started his run at the Banks car park near Ballyholme Beach. He followed the coastal path along Ballyholme Esplanade towards Bangor for three kilometres before turning back.

His mother Catherine Southall said the idea came during a bedtime conversation after his sixth birthday in April. He wanted to help children who are sick and chose to run six kilometres to match his age.

Leo began running a few months ago at the Ward Park junior parkrun. His mother said his time for the two-mile course improved from around 12 minutes to just over 10 minutes.

The family also ran together on Tuesday evenings for longer training, with father Michael helping the boys learn pacing.

Leo was accompanied during the charity run by his mother, father and seven-year-old brother Rex.

Donations are being accepted through an online fundraising page. The Cancer Fund for Children provides support to sick children in Northern Ireland.