Animal enthusiast Alfie Waker said he could not stop smiling when he found out that he had been shortlisted for the first Animal Hero Awards, which take place in London on Thursday.

Alfie, nine, who lives in Westbury with mum Hayley and dad Martin, was nominated for Young Animal Enthusiast of the Year, following his fundraising work for HorseWorld.

The Bratton School pupil did his first sponsored cycle on behalf of HorseWorld in 2011, after finding out about the South West equine welfare charity.

Alfie started raising money for the horse rescue charity to help his ‘best friend’, Tom, a retired Wadworth shire horse, who was taken in by HorseWorld after developing arthritis in his shoulders.

He cycled for 35 miles in May this year, from the Wadworth Brewery in Devizes to Horse-World in Bristol. In total, he has raised about £2,500.

Alfie said: “I think it’s really good that I’ve been nominated and I’m really proud of myself. I don’t know whether I can win, but I’m really looking forward to the event.

“When I found out that I was up for the award I couldn’t stop smiling.”

The awards, sponsored by The Daily Mirror and the RSPCA, recognise outstanding individuals and businesses who have made a difference to animal welfare, as well as tales of courageous pets.

Mr Waker said: “It’s really nice that someone has nominated him for the award. He has loved HorseWorld for a long time now and done lots to raise money for them.

“When we told him, he was over the moon and he is counting the days down until the event. He wanted to dress up smart for it and wear a tie, so we went out and got him one specially.

“No one tells him to do any of this work. We have just supported him along the way and we couldn’t be prouder.

“Now he’s talking about doing a bungee jump or a wing walk, although we will have to wait and see.”