The family of a little boy from the Newtown area who is receiving treatment for brain cancer has described him as a "hero to us all".

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

His dad John has given an update on how Dougie is progressing after receiving proton radiotherapy treatment in Germany and undergoing major surgery to remove the tumour at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

"Dougie has absolutely loved being back home over the last 7+ weeks, especially being back with his brother and sister and being able to spend time playing with his friends who he was over the moon to see again.

"He’s also been able to do some of the things and visit some of the places that he loves that he hasn’t been able to do for so long.

"He continues to be an absolute superstar and hero to us all."

To raise lots of money for the hospital and staff who looked after Dougie, friends of the family will embark on an epic 85-mile cycle ride on Saturday (September 25).

'Ride 4 Dougie' will start from Birmingham Children's Hospital then onwards to Wolverhampton, Telford and Shrewsbury before crossing the border into Wales.

The group will then cycle through Dougie’s home village before completing the ride at Newtown Rugby Club.

Mark Jones is a good friend of the Thurston family who is taking part in the big ride. He said: "Myself and a number of like minded cyclists have decided to challenge ourselves with the hopes of raising some money for Dougie and the amazing charities involved in his treatment."

A JustGiving 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 £4,500 has been raised.