This summer the RSPCA is encouraging children to become an animal hero and take on a physical challenge to help raise funds for animals in need.

Eight-year-old Gracie-Lilly (pictured with her chicken, and with her dog Bell) from Congleton became an Animal Hero by taking on the challenge of walking 30 miles in June with her dog Bell.

The huge animal lover, who wants to be a vet when she grows up, was determined to do something for the RSPCA during the pandemic and managed to raise £75 for the charity through her walks.

Her mum, Diane, said: "Gracie-Lilly loves animals. She now has six chickens that she looks after and gets up every morning to clean them out and feed them.

"They are rescue chickens after Gracie-Lilly found out that they would be going to slaughter, so she decided to help them and offer them a forever home. During her walks, she loved saying hello to the horses, sheep, cows and dogs on the way and was out walking in all weathers, even picking up litter as she went!"

From cycling over 100 miles, walking the equivalent of Mount Everest or, hopping, skipping, or running for 10 miles, whatever the challenge and whatever the pace, children across England and Wales are being asked to support the RSPCA.

There are lots of virtual physical challenges for the charity's amazing army of young supporters to do over the summer holidays.

The RSPCA hopes to inspire the young generation to be compassionate citizens of the future and already they have seen a fantastic response.

Emma Butler, RSPCA Events Manager, said: "From Greta Thunberg to Malala Yousafzai, this generation of children is often cited as a kind, inspiring and compassionate generation. We believe this is true too and we are really seeing that with all the amazing fundraisers signing up to be an RSPCA animal hero.

"We are so grateful to all our supporters and it is especially heartening to see so many passionate young people caring about animals and pledging to take on a challenge to help those animals in need of care."

For more information on becoming an animal hero for the RSPCA, visit here.