A RECEPTION year youngster has raised hundreds of pounds to refurbish her school’s swimming pool.

Five-year-old Mia Newman decided to help out after hearing her school desperately needed to raise the funds when its summer fete was cancelled.

Wentworth School, in Viking Road, Maldon, needed a whopping £15,000 to pay for a new liner and surround for the pool, which is also used by other groups.

An appeal went out to pupils to help raise money for the work, which has now been completed.

Mia set out from her Maldon home with dad Ben on a four-mile round trip, stopping in at the school on the way.

After a detour around the prom on the way home, the bike ride came in at nearly five miles, and raised the stunning total of £450 for the school.

Mia said the ride was great fun and she is proud to have raised so much money for the school she loves.