An eight-year-old boy became the youngest person ever to do the Three Peaks Challenge when he embarked on the gruelling trio of climbs with his family.

Daniel Rushby, a year 3 pupil at the Vineyard School, proved there was no mountain high enough when he conquered the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours on Tuesday, May 27.

He was joined by his brother James, 10, and his parents Phil and Maia, who raised £7,500 for the Vineyard Community Centre and the National Eczema Society.

Mother-of-four Mrs Rushby said: “The boys were great.

“It just shows you really shouldn’t underestimate children.

“Daniel is a very fit boy – he’s a very fast runner and plays rugby and football.

“As a family we are really sporty and like challenges and adventures.”

The family, who are members of the Ranelagh Harriers running club and go to St Mary’s Church, completed the three mountains with 22 minutes to spare.

The adventure-seekers took four hours 45 minutes to climb Ben Nevis, while Scafell Pike took three hours 50 minutes and Snowden four hours.

The family chose the eczema charity due to knowing relatives with the condition, while the Vineyard Community Centre, a charity based in Richmond, offers support to people in crisis.

Manager of the Vineyard Community Centre Desiree Shepherd said: “It is so encouraging to not only see a local family pick a local charity that helps out others, but that the children were so keen to do something for the benefit of others as well.

“To have those values instilled in them in such a young age is fantastic and will carry through with them to adulthood. They are a great example to other children.”

Richard Rosewell, deputy headteacher of the Vineyard School said: “As a school we always encourage all our children to extend and challenge themselves. However, this achievement is beyond anything we could have imagined – what an accomplishment.”