A YOUNGSTER has been baking up a storm to raise money for charity after his uncle died from motor neurone disease.

Joshua Sharpe, eight, of East Harlsey near Osmotherley, has been splitting his time between homework and baking to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The aspiring cook raised £60 by selling homemade carrot cakes, and is planning to host a coffee morning in January.

His proud grandmother Marian Wilson said: “He has come home every night from school to bake to raise money for a cause close to home.

“He wanted to do something in memory of his uncle and to know more about the disease.

“Villagers have been great in supporting him and he can’t wait to bake again for a coffee morning.”

Australian relatives have also got behind his charity plight by sending money.

Ms Wilson added: “His strength is in the kitchen and he has even been entertaining his friends with cookery lessons.

“He bakes and ices the cakes himself. It’s very impressive for someone who is only eight.”