Gedney Drove End youngster Bobby Mitchell runs eight-mile challenge to raise funds for village's Platinum Jubilee celebrations

A village’s Jubilee plans are in full flow thanks to the fundraising efforts of an enthusiastic youngster.

Following in his father’s footsteps, 10-year-old Bobby Mitchell ran eight miles around the village - and has raised more than £1,600 for an all-day Platinum Jubilee celebration in June.

Crowds gathered to watch the inspired Gedney Drove End Primary School pupil in action as he stormed around his course in a brilliant 61 minutes.

Bobby’s father Danny ran the same distance back in 2002 to raise money for Golden Jubilee events.

He joked that he would never live it down if his son beat the time he previously set - and family members believe Bobby did just that.

Bobby’s grandmother Christine Mitchell, who is part of the three-member team spearheading the village’s celebrations next month, said everyone was incredibly proud of his efforts.

“It was absolutely fantastic,” she said.

“He’s done really well, bless him. It was really hot.

“At the end when he came round the corner, he came absolutely flying up the road .

“There was a fantastic turnout and they were all clapping him. It was brilliant, a really good day.”

Bobby is a member of King’s Lynn Boxing Club, where he put in lots of hard work to prepare for his fundraising run.

He was joined on the dash by 91-year-old Geoff Payne, who also followed Danny two decades ago.

A presentation was held when the pair had crossed the finish line, with trophies handed out to both.

“Bobby was absolutely ecstatic,” Mrs Mitchell added.

“I think he was a little bit nervous. I was passing him bottles of water out the car, trying no to run him over!

“He’s so pleased he’s raised the money.”

The youngster set off from the Rising Sun pub in Gedney Drove End, which is where the Jubilee celebrations will take place.

He ran halfway to Gedney Dyke and then back again, with balloons greeting him at Main Road.

“It was quite emotional, actually,” Mrs Mitchell said.

“There were a lot of people actually crying. I know that sounds really silly, but because it’s a close village and we all know each other, everybody really got behind him.

“We can now put on a really marvellous day for free at the village. It’s going to be absolutely brilliant.”

So far, the June 4 event is set to include the likes of a dog show and fancy dress costumes.

There will be a King and Queen for the afternoon, and the road outside the pub will be closed in order to host 14 craft stalls - with free tea being offered at 3pm.

There will also be a free barbecue at 5pm.

Money left over from Bobby’s fundraising will go towards providing a carriage driving lesson for a raffle winner, as well as being donated to the local church and victims of the Ukraine conflict.