Ollie, four, uses pedal power to help bunnies

Ollie Parris, from Leicestershire, loves animals so much that when he heard some rabbits needed help, he knew just what to do.

The Kibworth four-year-old jumped on his bike and completed a two-mile sponsored ride.

His efforts raised £217 for Beech Tree Bunnies, which looks after 30 rabbits and 10 guinea pigs that have been given up by their owners.

The stabilisers on Ollie's bike helped to keep him upright as he pedaled away and he was followed on foot by his dad James.

James, a tree surgeon, said: "I work with someone who helps out at Beech Tree Bunnies.

"My wife Victoria and I went along with Ollie to see the animals and we came away with two guinea pigs called Shaggy and Scooby-Doo.

"Ollie is really into looking after them.

"He said he would also like to do something for the centre and the animals there, so we went on the sponsored ride around the village.

"It was hard work for me jogging trying to keep up."

James said he and Victoria were "very proud" of what Ollie had achieved.

Ollie said: "I really like animals."

Since it was formed in Kibworth six years ago, Beech Tree Bunnies has looked after and re-homed hundreds of animals. It relies on donations to keep going.

Lynn Issitt, of Beech Tree Bunnies, said: "We just want to thank Ollie and his parents very much. We are delighted to have this extra money.

"We are building a new shed for our rabbits and the money will be very useful."

The sanctuary costs more than £1,500 a year to run and currently houses 30 rabbits and 10 guinea pigs.

Lynn said: "We try not to turn down any pets unless we are absolutely full.

"Most of our residents only stay for a few weeks. But some can't be re-homed for various reasons and they just stay on in our retirement area."