INSPIRED by Sir Tom Moore's efforts, a five-year-old from Westbrook has raised more than £7,000 to help the coronavirus response in the UK and India.

Aneeshwar Kunchala spent his entire lockdown period raising funds with both a cricket and a cycling challenge.

His efforts have been recognised by MPs, the UK and England Cricket Board, Pride of Britain, Pride of Sport, the British Deputy High Commissioner, and the Indian Prime Minister team.

Proud dad, Anil, said: "This all started when Sir Tom Moore's efforts were shown on BBC and Aneeshwar asked me about what he was doing.

"When I explained that he was raising money for health care workers, my son said he wanted to do something similar.

"Aneeshwar quickly learnt cricket and started a challenge of getting 1000 hits in 10 days.

"He played 411 overs and raised £2,920 for the NHS.

Warrington Guardian:

"Later he started Little Pedallers, Aneeshwar and his friend's cycling challenge, and inspired 57 children across the country to cycle 4,500km.

"He raised £4,000 and donated 615 PPE kits to the Government hospitals all over India."

After his inspirational efforts throughout lockdown, Aneeshwar is embarking on a new campaign - reducing single-use plastic.

"Aneeshwar told us, 'plastic is not good for underwater creatures and at school I saw a picture of a whale eating lots of plastic and it died on the beach'," Anil explained.

"Aneeshwar was deeply moved by the scene - thanks to his teachers for inculcating it in his mind.

"The discussion led to the 'Quit plastic 360 - Aneesh and his friends' campaign and we have pledged to reduce plastic from September 16.

"In this campaign, we are encouraging more people to join us and reduce or stop using single-use plastic which can not be reused or recycled and make wise choices where possible."

To get involved with the campaign, visit aneeshwarkunchala.com/event-details/quit-plastic-360-aneesh-his-friends.

To keep up to date with Aneeshwar's efforts, see aneeshwarkunchala.com.