Timberscombe teenager Will Thomas, 13, took up a challenge to raise the money to save an area of rainforest the same size as the village play park.

And with the support of the community of Timberscombe and surrounding areas he raised £500 – more than double the amount needed.

The Operation Ocelot Challenge, promoted by BAFTA-winning British explorer Steve Backshall, meant using a calculator on the World Land Trust (WLT) website and measuring the play park himself with the help of his two younger sisters.

They discovered that it is 40 metres by 40 metres and the amount needed to save an equivalent area of rainforest in Guatemala – home to more than 700 species – was £220.80.

Will, of Vicarage Court, Timberscombe, said: “I have always had a huge interest in animals, wildlife and conservation and it is my dream to work in this area when I am older, so this challenge is very close to my heart.”

On Saturday (November 27), Will walked around Wimbleball Lake. He finds walking difficult, so nine miles was a huge challenge to walk in one go – but Will was determined to do it!

He walked well, despite the strong winds and cold temperatures from Storm Arwen, and he made it around the lake in just under four hours.

His effort has saved a much larger area of rainforest than Will had originally planned in his target and he is ‘over the moon’.

Will would like to thank everyone who donated and showed such amazing support - they have helped him save a great area of the Laguana Grande rainforest in Guatemala,