A GIRL who only learned to ride a bike in January is hoping to tackle a 500-mile marathon next month - with the encouragement of some of the country's top cyclists.

Evie Broddle, ten, from Stoke St Gregory, is currently in training for the 30-day challenge, which she is tackling to raise funds for Taunton-based Compass Disability Services.

She smashed her £500 target within two days of going live on Virgin Money Giving on Friday and now aims to collect at least £750 in sponsorship.

Her mum, Rachael Broddle, said: "She learned to ride back in January.

"She was pretty wobbly at first on a heavy mountain bike.

"We got her a new bike last week and my partner Matt (Monk) has been taking her out training.

"Between Tuesday and Sunday she did 100 miles. She did 29 miles the other day in two and a half hours.

"She chose Compass because it's a small charity and is struggling at the moment because of coronavirus.

"She says she wants to do something to give back, to make a difference.

"I'm incredibly proud of her. It's a fantastic life lesson for her."

Evie, who attends the village primary school, has received support on Twitter from Paralympic gold medal cyclists Steve Bate, Jody Cundy and Helen Scott, as well as ultra cyclists Laura Scott.

Laura Scott tweeted: "This is amazing!!! You got this Evie."

Helen Scott wrote: "Go Evie!! We're all behind you!"

Jody Cundy said: "It's a fair challenge she's got there."

Steve Bate tweeted: "Go on Evie, there's a team of believers riding with you."

Evie told the County Gazette: "It's difficult cycling so much. I get quite tired, but I'm proud.

"I want to raise a lot of money for Compass Disability."