A LITTLE boy with a big heart for hounds has completed his latest challenge, tackling the country's highest mountain for his beloved furry friends.

Nine-year-old Jake John Eeles has once again done his family proud, tackling Scafell Pike in "terrible and horrible" weather to raise funds for his granddad John's Eskdale and Ennerdale Foxhounds Kennels.

Spurred on by the thought of a tuna wrap and Malteser Easter egg waiting for him at the end, Jake John (known as JJ) and his favourite hound Marksman powered on through the wind, rain and snow to finish the 3,209ft hike in three hours and 37 minutes.

And parents Christine and Andrew Eeles couldn't be more proud of their "little whippet".

"Myself, granddad and Linda and Edmond Porter waited at the bottom, and were very proud of him," mum Christine said.

"Jake was shattered and soaked to the skin, and all he wanted was his tuna wrap!"

The Egremont youngster was accompanied by Andrew and family friend Stephen, who kept JJ safe during the blustery feat.

And despite the difficult weather and mammoth task, it was all worth it for his foxhounds – and he raised an impressive £1,760.

Since he started fundraising for his hounds two years ago, the St Bridget’s Primary School pupil has raised over £3,000, with every penny going towards food, vets bills and the general running of the kennels.

Christine added: "He found it hard and breathtaking, and they thought he was going to give in twice, but he didn't even though he was nearly blown off his feet a handful of times.

"He just wants to thank everyone that supported him."

To help "Mr Serious" reach even dizzier heights with his fundraising, visit his Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/christine-eeles.