AN eight-year-old West Somerset schoolgirl has so far raised more than six times her target for the BBC’s Children in Need after being inspired by television fitness coach Joe Wicks.

Peggy Roberts, of Washford, has been running a marathon in two-mile stages every few days until she reaches 26.2 miles.

She has been running on the old mineral line near her home between Washford and Roadwater and set herself a target to rase £100.

But, already she has topped £620 with Friday (November 13) the deadline to complete the last few miles of her feat.

Her father Kyle Roberts said: “Peggy is doing it for Children in Need.

“She saw Joe Wicks online and really wanted to help other people.”

Fund-raising eight-year-old marathon runner Peggy Roberts with her father Kyle.
Fund-raising eight-year-old marathon runner Peggy Roberts with her father Kyle. (Contributed)

“She is doing amazing as she is not a natural runner, and we are so proud of her.”

Peggy, who attends Old Cleeve Church of England First School, in Washford, has received donations from family and friends and members of Minehead Barbarians Rugby Club, among others.

In her online fund-raising page Peggy said: “Help me to make as much of a difference as possible by sponsoring me to take on this challenge.

“So many children and young people in the UK live with area disadvantage and a sense of isolation.

“BBC Children in Need helps to fund organisations like Abergele Community Action, in Wales, where project workers deliver activities for children to help them socialise, get outdoors, and feel empowered to achieve their goals.”

Children in Need, which is taking place tonight (Friday) raised more than £45 million last year and since it started in 1980 it has brought in more than £1 billion.

The money is available for UK organisations to submit bids showing how their project will change the lives of those aged 18 years and younger for the better.