A seven-year-old aspiring lifeboatman has raised almost £3,000 for the cause by walking 40 miles.

Johnathon Jarvis, who hopes to join the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) when he is older, trekked from Upwell, near Downham Market, to Hunstanton Lifeboat Station, braving heavy downpours and gusty winds.

Seven-year-old RNLI supporter Johnathon Jarvis with his dad Lee and mum Kayleigh Seven-year-old RNLI supporter Johnathon Jarvis with his dad Lee and mum Kayleigh (Image: RNLI/Chris Bishop)

He completed his efforts last month and handed over a cheque for £2,922.02 to Hunstanton crew members.

Kate Craven, from the RNLI, told him: "We've been saving lives for 200 years and we couldn't carry on doing it without people like you."

High fives from Stormy Stan, as Johnathon and his family arrived at Hunstanton, with members of the lifeboat crew who joined him for the final stage of his 40-mile walk High fives from Stormy Stan, as Johnathon and his family arrived at Hunstanton, with members of the lifeboat crew who joined him for the final stage of his 40-mile walk (Image: RNLI/Chris Bishop)

She added: "You've got 11 more years and then you can do some of the other stuff we do, like saving lives."

When asked about his motives for joining, Johnathon said: "I like the yellow wellies. They drive boats and hovercraft and they save lives."

His mother, Kayleigh, said he might consider another lengthy trek next year in aid of the RNLI.