A TEENAGER has raised more than £1,000 for a homeless charity by holding a 24-hour gaming marathon.

Joshua Hooks, 14, also shaved his hair in an effort to raise as much money as possible for Hope House Essex.

The Notley High student launched a campaign to support the charity earlier this month amid fears about the impact the coronavirus crisis is having on the homeless.

He devised a plan to host an online-gaming marathon and vowed to shave his hair if he reached his £1,000 target.

And he did so comfortably, having raised around £1,100.

He said: "I never would have imagined raising the amount that we did and I didn't even think that we would reach the goal, so it was a big shock to me when I checked back and saw the amount raised."

Mum Claire admitted she was "super proud of her son" and did shed a tear when he stuck to his promise and shaved his hair.

Joshua chose to support Hope House Essex having found out about its work through his volunteering as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award with Braintree 158 Squadron Air Cadets.

The charity is based in Braintree and provides temporary accommodation for homeless adults.