An 11-year-old boy who has completed 501 days of running has been honoured by the Prime Minister.

Beau McKee, of Cleator Moor, put on his running shoes to cover at least three miles every day and has raised over £30,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Last year Beau ran every day in January to raise money for the charity but decided to carry on for 17 months, finishing on Thursday.

Now the dedicated youngster’s “grit and determination” has been recognised by Theresa May with a Point of Light award, which celebrates outstanding volunteers who are making a change in the community.

Beau was presented with the accolade as a surprise during a special assembly at his school, by Copeland MP, Trudy Harrison, on behalf of the Prime Minister.

The McKee family are well known for their fundraising efforts - Beau’s dad, Gary, raised over £100,000 for Macmillan after running 100 marathons in 100 days in 2017.

Beau said: “I’ve always seen my dad doing challenges, he’s done all these crazy things, so I just thought it would be natural.”

Mr McKee said he felt “emotional” and “proud” of his son.

“It’s been fantastic watching him throughout the 501 days,” Mr McKee said.

“After the first day he was exhausted then he became really comfortable and wanted to do it for the whole year. When he got to 300 days, he said he wanted to carry on to 500. He absolutely loves it.”

When Beau realised the 500th day would land on his little sister, Minnie’s birthday, he decided to finish the following day, to avoid taking the shine off her.

Mr McKee said: “That just sums Beau up in his entirety. He never stops thinking of other people.

“There have been days where he has been poorly. He has never once complained about the weather or his legs aching. He was sick one day then still went out and did it.

“It stopped being about the running, he understood how much money was being raised and how it would help people. He fully understands how his actions can help other people.

“It’s fantastic how much money he has raised.”

Speaking of his award, Beau said: “It did come as a surprise. I’m a little bit sad that it’s over because it’s a challenge and I want to help as many people as I can. I will carry on doing challenges for the rest of my life.”

Mrs Harrison said Beau had shown “incredible grit and determination”.

“You’ve done yourself, your family, your community, and the country, very proud. I’m quite emotional. I think it’s an amazing success story,” she said.