A TALENTED young footballer went the extra mile by running over 20 kilometres in baking heat to raise £1,800 for a charity close to his heart.

Zak Crombie, 16, who is the captain of Morton's pro-youth under 16 side, has been running to stay in shape during lockdown.

He decided to put all this training into good use by taking on the sapping sporting challenge in searing sunshine, all in aid of Cancer Research.

Zak, of Cupar Drive in Branchton, said: "Quite a lot of my family have had cancer, so it's something that has affected all of us.

"I wanted to make a difference and help other families like mine who have been impacted by this awful illness.

"That's why I chose Cancer Research UK."

Zak ran along the cycle track from Port Glasgow to Elderslie and into Bridge of Weir, clocking up 21.46 kilometres in an impressive time of one hour and 56 minutes.

He told the Tele: "It was really difficult at points. It was roasting hot but I just kept thinking of my family and that kept me going.

"I was over the moon when I finished the run. I was really proud of myself."

Zak says he is also proud to lead his young Morton side and is really missing football.

He added: "I hope the game will be back up and running again in August or soon after. I can't wait to get a ball at my feet again and start proper training with my team-mates."

Zak, a pupil at Notre Dame High, lives with his mum Lorraine Clarke, step-dad Patrick, his two sisters, Holli, 17, and Mia, four, and nine-year-old brother Brodie.

His whole family told the Tele they are right behind his charity exploits.

Lorraine said: "As soon as we went into lockdown he started running to keep fit.

"He is also the Tele's paper boy for Branchton, so he is a well known face about the area.

"In the last five years, many close family members have been diagnosed with cancer. It has touched a lot of our family.

"We are all very proud of him, he's a good boy."

Zak is now hoping to raise the stakes and complete a marathon for his next running challenge.