A CHARITABLE youngster has raised more than £1,000 for a cancer support centre by cycling double her age in miles.

Olivia Holton, 10, saddled up to complete the impressive 20-mile feat with mum, dad, grandma and the dog for The Hummingbird Cancer Support and Therapy Centre in Bicester.

The youngster was welcomed on Friday last week with balloons, celebrations and congratulations from the volunteers and visitors at the Station Road centre after what she described as a fun and exciting ride.

Olivia said: "It was really fun and we even found a secret little pathway as we cycled through to Bicester.

"When we finished the ride at The Hummingbird Centre it was really exciting. Everyone was really nice and said they were proud of me."

The youngster, from Preston Bissett near Bicester, had been training hard, cycling around both Bicester and Buckinghamshire in preparation for the big day.

Help has been on hand from a support team of mum Louise, 37, dad Dan, 37, grandma Elizabeth Green, 67, and the 11-month-old family border terrier Wendy.

Mrs Holton said: "Olivia normally does the Sports Relief fundraisers but for various reasons this year could not take part, so she wanted to do something else.

"She wanted to do something local and my mum's friend's husband was very poorly and unfortunately passed away. But he received great support from The Hummingbird Centre.

"We suggested it would be nice to do the 20 miles for the centre for grandma's friend.

"Olivia was invited down for a visit and the centre asked if she would be happy to finish the cycle there.

"They were lovely when we arrived and Olivia was given lots of gifts including some beautiful flowers, a necklace, book vouchers and a mug."

The youngster has been beavering away fundraising alongside her cycle training and so far has raised about £1,500.

Olivia added: "At first we wanted to raise £250 then we passed that and went to £500, then up to £1,000. It makes me very happy to have gone way past that target."

Founder of The Hummingbird Centre in Bicester, Mechelle Harris, said: "Olivia is an amazing young lady – a great inspiration to us all.

"We gave Olivia a very warm welcome when she arrived at The Hummingbird Centre as her final destination to say well done and thank you from us all."