They say heroes always go the extra mile – something which nine-year-old Freya Melrose aimed to prove this month.

When the Manor School pupil set out on a charity cycle ride, she hoped to raise £100.

But the Didcot schoolgirl smashed her target and has collected more than £600 for forces charity Help for Heroes.

She organised a 10-mile ride around Didcot after hearing about the charity in a school presentation.

She said: “It was really good, really good fun. I was tired but it was worth it to raise all the money.

“A man came into school and was talking all about the charity. I thought back to that day and decided I wanted to do something.”

On Sunday, July 15, Freya set off on a ride around her home town, aiming to complete 10 miles – a mile for every year she has lived, plus an added one as “heroes always go the extra mile”.

She in fact managed to ride 11 miles and has now collected £630.

Freya said: “It is really good, I want to raise more now so I am going to have a think about what we can do next.”

Her mum Gemma Souch said: “She just decided she wanted to do something for charity after being inspired at school and off she went.

“It has definitely spurred her on to do more, I’m very proud of her.”

To sponsor Freya, visit bmycharity.com/freyamelrose