A YOUNG fundraiser has been hailed an 'inspiration' after donating £2,000 to Swanage Lifeboat Station.

Sam Chaplin, who has just turned 13, decided to cycle 130 miles from Marlow to Wareham, then kayak another 20 miles on to Swanage.

Before heading out on his journey, Sam said: "I really enjoy both cycling and kayaking and this will be my longest adventure yet."

Although Sam set off in fine weather, the last leg of his journey by kayak turned out to be hard work in the wet and windy conditions.

He reached Swanage within three days, where he was welcomed by volunteers of Swanage RNLI and the town mayor Mike Bonfield.

Swanage Lifeboat deputy coxswain Gavin Steeden said: "Sam is an inspiration, at only 13 years old he has completed a very difficult challenge and raised an amazing amount of money for the RNLI."