A BIG-HEARTED four year old is taking on his biggest challenge yet in aid of rescue dogs.

Mason Saunders, known as 'Chops' in the dog rescue community, will walk to the top of Pen Y Fan in South Wales on August 26 to raise money for Hereford and Worcester Animal Rescue.

Pen Y Fan is the highest peak in south Wales so will prove quite the challenge for the four year old.

This is not the first time young Mason has taken time to raise money for pooches.

Earlier this year he walked two of his three Staffordshire Bull Terriers in a sponsored walk and raised £385.

Hereford and Worcester Animal Rescue, based in Leominster, is a voluntary organisation which rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes abandoned and stray dogs.

Mason's grandparents are long-running supporters of the organisation's work and Mason accompanied them on rescue mission as a baby.

Mason has taken part in Christmas shoebox appeals, sponsored walks and regularly visits the kennels in Leominster.

Kelly Ann Saunders, Mason's grandmother, said: "He absolutely adores any animal but dogs really are his passion.

"We are immensely proud of him for showing so much empathy and compassion for animals in need

To sponsor Mason on his new mission, make a payment via Paypal by emailing hwar.animalrescue@gmail.com and add the reference 'chops pen y fan dance'.