Children at a pre-school in Thundersley proved you're never too young to get into the spirit of fundraising.

Alfie's Trikeathon was held at Thundersley Methodist Church Pre-school, because Alfie Gillman was diagnosed with a serious digestive problem at birth.

The 15-month-old, from Thundersley, has received expert care at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, in London, ever since.

To help repay the hospital, more than 30 children at the school took to their tricycles and tore round the pre-school for the sponsored event.

Alfie's mum, Jai Gillman, said: "Each child completed the course and at the end got a model, a certificate and had lots of fun.

"I would like to say a special big thank you to all the children, parents and staff at the pre-school for all their hard work.

"Without them, this event would never have taken place."

Organisers have yet to count up the total amount raised from the event, which was sponsored by numerous local companies.

Mrs Gillman said she was very grateful to the hospital for the treatment staff had given her son.

She said: "Alfie finds it extremely difficult to digest food. This has a huge impact on his life.

"There are a large amount of food groups that he is intolerant to.

"He receives daily physiotherapy and a large amount of medication. He also has a low immune system and has to be very careful when mixing in group activities.

"The hospital has been wonderful, so it is great to raise funds for them."

Fellow Castle Point schoolboy Jamie Fulger, 12, who also attends Great Ormond Street, helped design T-shirts for the youngsters to wear during their charity trike.