Thousands of pounds have been raised for charity through the sales of a challenge coin designed by BAE engineer James Bird.

The proceeds raised from the series of Dreadnought-themed coins will go to a number of military and veteran charities chosen by Mr Bird. Around £8,000 will go to We Remember Our Submariners and Help for Heroes, while the £1, 500 raised by one specific coin will go to four different Navy groups.

He has sold over 1,500 coins and 200 coins minted in the name of the second Dreadnought submarine, Valiant. His designs are based on each of the four Dreadnought class crests and the final two in the series are set to be released in the coming year.

He said: “We expected to sell a few hundred coins at most, but the response has exceeded all expectations."