A Norfolk boy, who fled his war-torn homeland three years ago, has raised thousands of pounds to help other refugees after completing a sponsored cycle ride.

Oscar had never ridden a bicycle in the Democratic Republic of Congo where he was born and raised.

But the 13-year-old cycled more than 80 miles in Norfolk on Sunday, June 29 to raise money for War Child, which helps children who are victims of conflict around the world.

The teenager, who lives near Norwich, had aimed to raise around £500 for the charity, but has already generated more than £2,500 in sponsorship money.

Oscar, who experienced first-hand the horror of war and the death of his mother, came to Norfolk from a Ugandan refugee camp three years ago with his brother an sister.

The schoolboy, who pledged to help other children affected by war, cycled a loop through Ludham, Honing, Potter Heigham, Acle, Brundall, and Thorpe St Andrew with his friend Will.

His foster carer, who can not be named, said: 'So far, including offline sponsorships and gift aid, it looks like they will top £2,500 - well over their £500 target for War Child UK. A £10 donation to War Child UK can save the life of a child in the Congo with malaria - so potentially 250 children like Oscar have been saved.'

'People have been so kind. We took Oscar to Bicycle Links at St Mary's Works off Duke Street, in Norwich, to buy him a second hand road bike. When they heard about the charity, they donated him a refurbished one to use. It's been amazing and we couldn't be more proud.'

Oscar, who wants to be a vet when he grows up, was one of 80 children and young people in care in the county who received awards for their achievements from Norfolk County Council last month

More than two million children have died as a result of a long-running war in the Congo and children of Oscar's age are abducted from their families and forced to become soldiers.