A YOUNG boy has smashed his targets in a charity swim.

Sahdev Rana, nine, aimed to swim 500m solo in half an hour to raise money for children affected by Hurricane Matthew which struck Haiti in October.

The Cippenham Primary School pupil beat his target time by eight minutes. His mother, Savita, set up a fundraising page for his son with a target of £200, which he easily passed with more than £450 donated by the time The Observer went to press.

The youngster from Cippenham read about the disaster in Haiti in a children's publication and decided he wanted to do his part to help.

Sahdev took on the challenge on Sunday at the Copthorne Hotel in Slough following six weeks of training.

After his success, Sahdev said: "I felt tired but I still went for it.

"I'm really happy, and I'm really happy for Haiti too because they will have this money."

Sahdev said he had taken on the challenge because he believes everyone should be equal and that it is our duty to help less fortunate countries like Haiti.

Savita said that although her son was a fan of the sport, he is by no means a regular swimmer.

She said: "He has really pushed himself and believed in himself and has been a true inspiration. He took on board what we taught him about helping others and being kind and selfless.

"As a family we are so proud - his baby sister made a poster and cheered him on too!"