A UNICYCLISTS who spent three years on a charity mission has been recognised by the Prime Minister.

Ed Pratt, from Curry Rivel, left in March 2015 when he was 19-years-old to unicycle around the world for charity School in a Bag.

The former Wellington School pupil completed the challenge unsupported – carrying a tent, sleeping bag, camping stove and kit in panniers attached to his 36in Nimbus Oracle unicycle.

His challenge took him through all areas of the world, including Europe, Kazakhstan, China and America.

His charity venture saw him saw £300,000 for the organisation which delivers educational equipment to poor and vulnerable children around the world.

Mr Pratt returned home in July this year.

Now the young adventurer has been recognised by Theresa May with a Points of Light award.

In a personal letter to Ed, Prime Minister, Theresa May, said: "Your dedication to fundraising in support of School In A Bag’s important work is remarkable.

"As a result of your record-breaking unicyle trip around the world, thousands of vulnerable young people will be able to access essential school supplies and educational equipment."

Ed is the 1015th winner of the award which aims to honour 'shining examples' of volunteering across the UK.

Ed said: "I’m honoured to receive this award. I’m really pleased that this will bring more awareness of 'School in a Bag' and the help they are providing to children all over the world.

"It has certainly been enjoyable to hang up my unicycle and spend time with friends and family.

"My days recently have been spent editing the endless hours of footage I captured on my trip, turning it into high quality documentary videos.

"I have also been sharing my experiences on stage and am available for booking as a speaker.”

Ed's fundraising enabled the charity to fund 15,474 bags for school.

Luke Simon, CEO and Founder of School In A Bag, said: “Through Ed’s incredible journey, he has spread the School in a Bag message into more corners of the globe than we could ever have dreamed.

"His videos documenting his trip have been inspiring and always included the charity too, which helped lead onto many donations over the three and a half years, including a quite incredible one of more than £270,000.

"This has meant through Ed’s fundraising, we’ve been able to fund 15,474 School Bags over nine projects in eight different countries – not only an incredible feat unicycle-wise, but an amazing amount of money raised too.”

David Warburton, MP for Somerton and Frome, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that Ed has won the Points of Light award - and deservedly so for his tremendous fundraising achievement for the 'School in a Bag' charity.

"The Points of Light award is a fabulous recognition of those who really go above and beyond with fundraising, and I can barely imagine a more impressive effort on behalf of others than that which Ed has made.

"Well done to him and I congratulate him on a fantastic success."