A BRIDGWATER police officer who took on a hardcore charity challenge in the build up to Christmas has smashed his fundraising target.

Rural beat manager Tony Freeman did 22 press ups for 144 consecutive days for the challenge, totalling more than 3,000 over the whole task.

He took on the challenge with the aim of raising £500 for the Combat Stress charity but annihilated his target reaching an amazing £3,595 in vital funding.

Combat Stress is a charity which treats armed forces veterans suffering post traumatic stress disorder, depression an anxiety.

"I wouldn't say it was a difficult to motivate myself, but there were some days when I would only get back to the locker room at 11 at night and have to quickly fit them in," Mr Freeman, from Taunton, said.

"Really I just want to thank everybody who donated and all my family, friends and colleagues who supported me.

"Keeping a log of my progress on social media has even helped me get in touch with old friends I have not spoken to for a long time," he added.

Mr Freeman originally completed the 22 day press up challenge in August and decided to take on this bigger challenge.

Robert Marsh, director of fundraising at Combat Stress said: “We would like to thank Tony for his incredible support, he has raised a fantastic amount for Combat Stress by taking part in the #22PushupChallenge for 144 days.

“The public’s support for the #22PushupChallenge has been incredible and we are so grateful to everyone who has taken part and helped to raise awareness of veterans’ mental health and funds for Combat Stress.

“We continue to see an increase in referrals each year, with almost 10,000 new referrals in the last five years, a 71 per cent increase.

"It is vital that we raise awareness and support for the charity in order to meet this increasing demand, that’s why fundraising by individuals like Tony, is so important.”