ADVENTUROUS 11-year-old Leo Bryant walked almost 100 miles in just nine days in a bid to get him back out after the pandemic.

Leo, from Southend, hiked 96-miles in nine days as part of a “mum and son” adventure before starting secondary school this year.

During lockdown, he watched a lot of videos online about people having adventures and was inspired.

  • As  we come to the end of 2022, we have selected eight children from across south Essex who have gone above and beyond this year to help others or achieve something great.

Despite never doing anything like this before, Leo was determined to take on his own hike - 96-miles on the West Highland Way trail in Scotland.

His mum, Sarah Jones, 35, said: “I am so proud of Leo for completing this challenge.

“His sunny attitude, jokes and banter kept the energy high and made the people around us smile.

“Other hikers were surprised to see someone so young on the trail.

“After so much isolation during the pandemic, it was great to see him connecting with different people.

“He is already looking for more in 2023.”