Thousands of pounds have been raised to help a four-year-old boy from Newtown who is receiving treatment for brain cancer.

Dougie Thurston was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour following a routine eyesight appointment earlier this year.

He is currently having daily proton radiotherapy treatment in Germany after undergoing major surgery to remove the tumour at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help pay for non-funded treatment and the services and charities that are supporting Dougie and his family.

The initial fundraising goal was £1,000, but donations have flooded in and almost £8,000 has been raised. The campaign has also gained support from Wales and British Lions rugby star Dan Lydiate.

A statement on the fundraising page said: "As many of you will know recently Dougie, who is the most adorable four-year-old, was diagnosed with a Malignant Brain Tumour, which as you can imagine is every family’s worst nightmare.

"Over the course of the last two months he has undergone major surgery in Birmingham Children’s Hospital and is now currently out in Germany for this next stage of treatment which is daily proton radiotherapy treatment carried under general anaesthetic for a six-week block, before then returning for chemotherapy back home.

"He has been absolute star throughout this process, supported by his amazing family. Amy and John are out in Germany with him having left behind their two other children Rene and Iori. They have all been amazingly strong and are just the most gorgeous family whom we all care so much."

The GoFundMe page added: "Additionally, we know Amy and John are so keen to give back to the services and charities who are providing care, support and treatment for Dougie and the family. They are so grateful for what Dougie has already received so far from Birmingham Children’s Hospital, the Essen Hospital in Germany, along with other supporting services.

"We know that in a heartbeat they would want to ensure that any other child and family that is going through what they are right now can have the treatment, care, and support they need."

Year Five pupils at Dougie's school, Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd, have also come up with an idea to raise lots of money for his treatment. On Wednesday (July 14), pupils will take part in the "Walk for Dougie" challenge which ranges from a stroll around the school campus for the little learners to a 14-mile walk along the Montgomery Canal Path from Welshpool to Newtown for the older pupils.

To show your support for the "Walk for Dougie" challenge, please visit the school's JustGiving page.