A NINE-year-old schoolboy from Bere Alston is to cycle a marathon distance of 26 miles to raise money for charity.

Over the last two years, Tyler Tomes has raised more than £1,500 and has clocked over 100 miles in training.

This year, inspired by the London Marathon, Tyler is cycling 26 miles from Plymouth Hoe to Tavistock and hopes to raise £2,000 for The Meadows Makeover Group and Leukaemia and Lymphoma research.

On Saturday, September 26, Tyler will set off from Plymouth Hoe, cycling onto Coypool, Clearbrook, Yelverton, Burrator, Horrabridge then finish his journey in Tavistock.

Pete Tomes, Tyler’s dad, said: ‘Tyler will complete his challenge with myself and his mum Helen hopes to join in too.

‘We are all massively proud of Tyler, he loves his cycling and he loves a challenge!

‘He has already said he wants to do 50 miles next year and is so excited about his big ride this year.’

Tyler has been training since early spring for his ride with his mum, dad and local cycling club The Wheelie Darksiderz Rockin Bikes on cycle routes including the Plym Valley, Drake’s Trail and Burrator.

Tyler also completed his first cycling sportive on the Tarka Trail in May.

Tyler said: ‘I’m very excited and can’t wait till September!

‘It’s going to be tough but my mum and dad are getting me training already so preparing me the best I can for the big day.’