A FIVE-YEAR-OLD girl who was inspired to walk five miles to raise money for an African school has returned triumphant.

Eloise Smail, from Portland, was so moved after hearing about the plight of Kenyan schoolchildren from her teacher that she took on the five-mile challenge.

Southwell Community Primary School teacher Dianne Stone inspired the sponsored walk when she returned from a trip teaching at the Gantaraki School in Kenya.

After hearing about how the children at the school in Chogoria walk miles to school every day, Eloise decided she wanted to take on a walking challenge of her own.

Eloise walked with her dad Jamie on Portland on Saturday, starting and finishing at the school in Southwell.

The team, accompanied by Eloise’s two-year-old sister Rosie, went past Fancy’s Farm, via Portland Bill and Church Ope Cove before heading back to the school to be met by proud mum Sian Smail.

She said: “She did so well. She was chuffed to bits. They did it in two-and-a-half hours.

“She was so proud of herself – it was just lovely. One lady even stopped her on the way round and gave her £2 sponsorship. She obviously saw it in the Echo.”

She added: “She seemed to enjoy it and knew that what she was doing was for a good cause. I’m just unbelievably proud of her.”

Sponsorship money is still coming in but so far Eloise has raised more than £50. Donations are being taken at Southwell School.

Mrs Smail said: “I think the stories that Dianne told the class together with the pictures on the TV from Water Aid really hit home that it’s real and it’s out there.

“She really wanted to make a difference and let the children have as much fun at school as she does.”

She added: “She did so well; she was feeling a bit tired afterwards and slept really well.”

Dad Jamie said that he was very proud of Eloise.

He said: “She was a real trouper and she made it all the way round.

“We had a few stops and plenty to eat and plenty to drink, she was flagging a bit towards the end but she did brilliantly.”

He added: “I’m very proud, particularly because she thought it up herself and really wanted to do it.

“She was over the moon, particularly when people were handing over the money. She was pleased to see what she was doing was really helping.”

Donations to Eloise’s charity challenge can be handed in or sent to the school.