Climbing the highest peaks in Britain and taking on 200-mile treks are lifetime ambitions to many.

But one youngster has managed to do that and more - at the age of just eight.

On top of that, Howard Weyman of Strawberry Fields, Brownsover, struggles with Asperger's syndrome, Tourette syndrome and dyslexia, but does not let this stop him from leading an active life.

His mother, Catherine, said: "Howard has incredible mental strength, combined with a huge amount of physical stamina. Once he has made his mind up on something he usually achieves it!"

At the age of six, Howard had already scaled the heights of Britain's highest mountains, known as the three peak challenge.

"He loves mountain climbing and has climbed the three peaks (Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike) by various routes at the age of six," said
Catherine.

"He climbed Ben Nevis via the Carn Mor Dearg Arete which is a route few adults would attempt as it involves a long walk, a scramble across the Arete with steep drops.

"In Howard's case, the descent from Ben Nevis took 15 hours in complete darkness with only a couple of 10-15 minute breaks."

"He has also completed a 200 mile coast to coast walk from St. Bees Head on the west coast to Robin Hood's Bay on the east coast.

"He carried a heavy backpack containing all his camping gear, clothes and a certain amount of food supplies for the whole distance," said Catherine.

She also said that they need to carry all of Howard's medication on these walks, adding: "At times he can get frustrated but that is typical of his condition. He also gets very competitive!"

He has also chanelled his energy into swimming and receives a lot of support from the Ken Marriott Leisure Centre.

"Because of his problems with communication and understanding we took advantage of the one-to-one swim lessons offered by the centre.These were invaluable in helping him to progress." Catherine added.

Last August, Howard, now aged nine, completed a five-mile swim at the leisure centre in four hours and 20 minutes.

Catherine said: "He achieved his 5,000 metre swim distance award at the age of six and I asked him if he would like to do another swim award. He asked what was the biggest one and I told him five miles, so he said 'I'll do it!'"

Howard won the category for the 'Allan Wood best nine year old' at the Rugby Swimming Club and has come first in two galas.

Catherine added:"We do a lot of family-based activities and try to encourage Howard as much as we can. His sister, who also has dyslexia, has been swimming from a young age to.

Recently, Howard has had to take a back seat as he was involved in a car accident last November hurting his left ankle.

Catherine explained: "He has compulsions to run across the road and as a result hurt his leg.

"He is making a recovery now but this has meant he struggles to walk. He has been swimming though."

Along with keeping active, Howard also has a keen interest in singing and is taking his grade five music theatre examination in March.

Catherine added: "For this he must perform three songs from musicals and understand the background and history of certain characters.

"Hopefully, by the time he is 16 he will reach grade eight, get his diploma and have letters after his name at 18!"