A YOUNG BOY from Ruthin has raised more £400 for Chester Zoo by taking on a 30-mile bike ride.

Six-year-old Jay Williams set himself a target of collecting £300 for the zoo, which has been facing an uncertain future due to the effect of the coronavirus lockdown.

However, he managed to beat that sum by £100 thanks to some very generous donations made through his Just Giving page.

Jay's bike ride saw him tackle 10 miles a week - travelling along the prom from the blue bridge in Rhyl to near Prestatyn and back with his dad.

Talking about what made him want to start the fundraiser, Jay's mum Jessica said: "He had been struggling recently with lockdown and we also have a four- month-old baby so he has had a lot of big changes to deal with over the past few months.

"Trying to get him out to exercise has been a struggle and he was upset when he found out Chester zoo might not open again.

"So he decided to do a sponsored bike ride, even though he’s only just learnt how to ride a bike, to raise money for them.

"When he finished, myself and his little brother Kai, were waiting there for him to congratulate him and treat him to a McDonalds.

"We have decided that we are also going to adopt an animal in Chester zoo for him as a present and to help them out some more - he said he would really like a penguin."

The money raised through Jay's bike ride, which was £410 in total, has now been donated to Chester Zoo.

To donate further funds to the cause, you can visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jessica-williams41