HE may now be on our screens in the TV game show Ninja Warrior UK, but Jacob Peregrine-Wheller has been putting his athletic prowess to good use for a long time.

In April 1999 your Bridgwater Mercury featured a nine-year-old Jacob after he completed a charity effort.

Young Jacob, of Wembdon, had completed a one-mile swim at Bridgwater Splash to raise money for research into Motor Neurone Disease.

The intrepid youngster raised more than £200 after being inspired by family friend Tony Chilcott, who suffered from the condition.

Proud mum Helen said: "He decided he wanted to do something to help.

"Jacob took just over an hour to swim the mile and we were all cheering him on along the way."

And we'll all be cheering for Jacob once again when Ninja Warrior UK hits our screens again in the coming weeks...