AN EXPLORER in the making has walked 14km from his home in Cherington to Cirencester to raise money for Veterans Aid. Toby Cable, 11, completed the journey along the MacMillan Way in about four hours on March 17, along with his dad Paul and the family dog, Lola.

He successfully raised over £2,000 for the 80-year-old charity. Dr Hugh Milroy OBE, the chief executive of the charity, met Toby in the centre of Cirencester with congratulations, a much-needed hot chocolate and a slice of cake. He said: "This is a wonderful gesture by Toby, and a great morale booster for all of us at Veterans Aid. It's heart warming to see someone so young taking an interest in a charity that helps people ranging in age from teenage to old age."

Toby, who attends Northcote Lodge Preparatory School in London, decided to do the walk as part of the 'Northcote Award', the school's mini version of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Those doing the award are encouraged to do something for charity, and Toby chose Veterans Aid. "I'm very proud that I've raised so much money for Veterans Aid," he said after completing the challenge. "The walk was fun but the few days after have been the hardest - my muscles are really sore".