When things got difficult, one heroic youngster stepped up to do his bit – and he’s not planning on slowing down anytime soon.

After the first Covid lockdown hit the nation back in March 2020, eight-year-old Zac Raynor decided to spend his time making others smile.

The talented youngster created animals out of offcuts of firewood, giving them out to friends, family and neighbours to spread a little happiness.

And his good deeds didn’t end there, as he also put together personal rainbows for people to put in their windows to support the NHS, asking for a small donation in return.

After raising £150, the Thornhill boy went out to buy wine, beer, chocolates and treats – with the help of his mum Amanda and dad David – to hand out to frontline workers, such as nurses, the postman and shop staff.

Even after all this thoughtfulness, Zac wasn’t done, instead creating personalised wooden Christmas tree decorations in exchange for donations, raising £50 for the Egremont Christmas Toy Appeal.

“He’s just a very caring boy, it’s what he loves to do – he was really upset because he'd signed up for the Prett Muddy event with Race for Life, but it was cancelled because of lockdown,” proud dad, David, said.

“It makes him so happy to help other people, and we’re mega proud of him. His mum gave him some money to buy sweets with, so he put it in his charity box.

"Normally when eight-year-olds get some money, it's like it's burning a hole in their pocket and they spend it as fast as they can, but Zac just wants to help everyone else with it."

But even after months of carrying out his acts of kindness, he still wasn't done, and took to gritting nearby streets when the icy weather hit last month.

The organised youngster has even taken a record of the grit bins he visited, so he can let the council know when they need re-filling.

David said: "We're so proud of him, and he's proud of himself too – he's really happy he could help other people out, and make sure everyone was safe.

"He enjoys it all so much, and he's hoping to make more wooden decorations next Christmas to sell at the Egremont Farmers' Market, and then donate all the money raised to charity.

"Zac, me and his mum would all like to say thank you very much to everyone who's supported Zac and contributed – and look out for his next fundraiser!"