A LARGS schoolgirl didn't 'paws' for one day during January as she took on an epic walking challenge for the Guide Dogs charity.

Millie Rawley McManus, nine, walked 100 kilometres around the town during the month to raise almost £1,000 for the cause - more than ten times her original target.

The St Mary’s Primary pupil is an avid supporter of the charity and has done many sponsored walks alongside her grandmother Sandra.

Millie’s mum Amanda says the challenge started as a way to help the family enjoy some outdoor exercises but quickly snowballed into a mammoth charity effort.

She explained: “Millie has been sponsoring a guide dog for a few years and during lockdown she decided she wanted to raise some money for the charity too.

“It started after Christmas as a way to keep her interested and motivated in getting out and about and we said we would give her a pound for every kilometre she walked with us.

“Her initial target was £100 but so many friends and family members wanted to donate that we set up a JustGiving page.

“The total is now close to £1,000, and Millie has been absolutely blown away by the support she has received.”

Millie is currently sponsoring a guide dog named Coco, who is more than halfway through her training, and will soon go on to helping those with sight issues.

Amanda says the daily donations were a huge encouragement to the youngster, and despite the tiring challenge, Millie is keen to undertake another one soon.

She added: “Getting the donations and messages of support motivated Millie to keep walking every day, and all the nice comments made her feel better.

“She has massively exceeded her target and she has soldiered on, getting out and about walking in all weathers.

“She got a lovely message from her head teacher to say congratulations, Millie is wanting to do something else for the charity later in the year now.

“She is a huge dog lover and is so motivated to help people. We are so proud of her for the money she has raised.”

You can donate to Millie’s JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/millierawleymcmanus