MUCH like the past week, this morning's forecast was particularly wet and gloomy. 

But that won't have been enough to deter these three brothers, who were setting off on what's become an annual trek in aid of Children in Need. 

For the fourth year running, Patrick Stephenson was today walking the two-and-a-half miles from his Grizebeck home to Burlington CE Primary School in Kirkby. 

After coming up with the idea by himself, he was last year joined by Dan, six. 

And this year, the youngest of the trio, five-year-old George, was getting involved, too. 

Joined by mum Emma, they were again taking a safe route which avoids the treacherous A595. 

And the family were aiming to add to the £370 they have already raised over the years to help children less fortunate than themselves. 

Patrick insisted there was no sibling rivalry, and was more than happy for his younger brothers to join him. 

This is his last year before he moves to John Ruskin School in Coniston, which will be too far to walk, but he intends to keep raising money in another way - he just hasn't thought of it yet. 

Patrick said: "On TV there are adverts about people doing stuff for Pudsey Bear, and I thought maybe I should do something myself to raise money. 

"So I decided to walk to school. I've begun to enjoy it now, but it does get a bit tiring."

Proud mum Emma said: "He just turned around one day and said he wanted to raise money and do a sponsored walk.

"It's not something I make them do. 

"Patrick came up with the idea and the other two have piped up - they're probably wanting to keep up with their older brother.

"I'm very proud of them for doing it and thinking of others. 

"They're aware that it's to benefit children that need help in one way or another. 

"Obviously, the eldest is a bit more savvy about it, while George just knows he is going to help other people."