IN his quest to lose weight a teenager has so far managed to raise £1,000 for charity.

Last month, 16-year-old Jonathan Wallace was told by doctors that if he did not trim down from 31 stone to 17 stone, he would only have between one to five years to live.

The Hartlepool schoolboy, vowed to lose weight following a strict diet and exercise.

To help him succeed in his goal, he also pledged to raise money for the Hartlepool and District Hospice.

His mother, Margaret, said: "Jonathan is doing really well and we are so proud of him.

"He has managed to go down to 28 stone in four weeks and seems to be getting fitter.

"He has so far raised around £1,000 for the hospice and this is a huge boost for him knowing he is doing something worthwhile.

"As the weeks have gone on we have seen his confidence grow and he is really enjoying his time at the gym, which is something we would never have believed."

Jonathan was offered free membership to Fitness First and after only a few sessions he is beginning to make progress.

Mrs Wallace said: "Jonathan had not been able to do much exercise before and he is getting on well.

"What really pleases him is that he will have the chance to go on the weights soon.

"We are already beginning to see a difference as his clothes are becoming looser.

"We are all so proud of the effort he is making."