A NINE year old girl from Bodfari plans to trek 24 miles and climb more than 5,000 feet to raise money for animals affected by the Australian forest fires.

Lexie Southwick plans to tackle the Yorkshire Three peaks challenge in April.

He mother Lisa said: “Lexie was very affected by the TV news of the fires, particularly the fate of koala bears, and so she recently came up with the idea of doing a sponsored walk to raise money for the animals. She has always been an animal lover.

"One of her relatives has already completed the Challenge and has Lexie about it.

“Her target is £350 and has already raised £85 within a few days of launching a appeal for sponsorship.

“She will be training hard, and has already completed an 18 mile walk in preparation. She is very committed, and plans to walk on Snowdon and Offa's Dyke to make sure she is fit. ”

Lexie is no stranger to adventure having already canoed down the Yukon river in Canada for nine days wild camping, to try and see bears.

“Lexie will have a group of family and friends, including me and her dad Ian, accompanying her on the trek in Yorkshire. She is a pupil at Ysgol Bodfari.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge takes on the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, usually in this order, and in under 12 hours. These peaks form part of the Pennine range, and encircle the head of the valley of the River Ribble, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The Yorkshire Three Peaks route is 24 miles (38.6km) long, and includes 1,585m (5,200ft) of ascent.

Lexie’s Gofund page is: https://www.gofundme.com/f/australia-animals-affected-in-the-fires?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&rcid=ae9f80a010c24b43a45fa52ae28ae7e7