A WINCHESTER boy emulated his Olympic heroes by completing a charity race.

Eight-year-old Samuel ‘Sammy’ Roberts, of Badger Farm, was inspired to take part in the Great South Run mini-race in Portsmouth last month.

He raised £220 for the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) after completing the 1.5km course.

Sammy, a pupil at St Peter’s Catholic Primary School, said he was happy to complete the race and wanted to take part because he enjoys running.

He said: “I’m quite good at long distance running and when I watched the Olympics on TV, I wanted to have a go at this race.

“I have running club every Friday at school, and I go out running at the weekends. Anything active I do helps, like swimming and tennis.”

Lynda Mussell, CAFOD manager for Hampshire, said: “We are delighted that Samuel took part in the race raised funds for CAFOD on our 50th anniversary year. It is really inspiring to see young people putting their faith into action and using their talents to make a difference and help the work of CAFOD’s partners around the world.”