A BORDERS youngster has vowed to help “save animals that are dying in rubbish” by cycling 44 miles in a month.

Six-year-old Ava Wheatley, from Tweedbank, decided to raise money for the Marine Conservation Society with a sponsored bike ride.

Mum Kirsty said: “Every day she asks to fit in a cycle – she’s so dedicated.”

Ava was spurred into action by a home-school lesson about people “making a difference”, said Kirsty.

After making a banner inspired by a young turtle injured by plastic pollution, Ava asked: “What next”?

“I had to explain that a banner wouldn’t fix it,” said Kirsty, “so we spent time looking into what to do.

"We tried to help her understand that it’s not the animals that are the problem, it’s people.”

It was during their research that Ava and Kirsty came across the Marine Conservation Society’s beach cleans.

To support the charity, Ava is cycling the equivalent distance of Melrose to East Lothian’s Yellowcraig beach.

Kirsty said it’s been lovely to see her daughter become so passionate about helping the environment.

“She keeps saying she wants them [turtles] to live with us.

“She believes she’s fixed it, but we’re working so that she’s not disappointed.”

At the time of publication, Ava had raised more than three times her target of £100.

“It’s crazy, I was a bit apprehensive, I felt everyone has something going on,” Kirsty said.

“Ava’s been spurred on by everyone’s generosity.”

To donate to Ava’s fundraiser, you can visit this site.