HAVING only been skating for a year, a kind schoolboy from Hexham is already planning to give something back to the sport.

On Sunday, eight-year-old Aaron Berry, a pupil at Sele First School, will skate five miles in Edinburgh as part of an ongoing fund-raising programme.

The youngster wants to help his local indoor skatepark, Dynamix, in Gateshead, in their bid to build an action sports school in Malawi as a way of thanking the team for their help in encouraging and supporting him in skateboarding.

In addition, he is trying to raise enough cash to book a trip to the world’s biggest action sports camp, Camp Woodward, in Pennsylvania, United States, to give him access to some of the world’s best ramps, bowls and parks.

This weekend’s skate is part of a long list of fund-raisers planned by Aaron, who will also be making and selling board wax and selling T-shirts designed by Big Aye Skateboards founder Matty De Vere. Hexham-based Reiver Sports is also working with Aaron during the year.

His mother Ruth said: “Aaron is passionate about skateboarding and has a plan for making his biggest dream come true while helping other children at the same time.

“Aaron has been inspired by the ‘giving back’ ethos of his skateboard idols such as Tony Alva, Tony Hawk and Chris Cole.

“Despite his young age and level, he believes he can help give back to Dynamix, a social enterprise that has enabled him to develop into a strong, confident and compassionate individual.”

Donations can be made online at www.gofundme.com/48xnhsw