LOCKDOWN may have had its challenges ­- but not all of them were tough... just ask Jacob Reddy!

The six-year-old and his dad have used the period to create memories through a series of 100 challenges, which gained them quite a few fans along the way.

Every day, dad Chris and Jacob would take part in a fun challenge designed to test their physical, mental ­- and sometimes emotional ­- strength to the limit.

“We made paper aeroplanes, did the body bowling challenge, where we put water on a tarpaulin and slid down to knock over water bottles, and we had water-bombing mum,” said Chris, who added there was running and obstacles courses too.

Each challenge was posted on Chris’s social media, and before long Jacob was receiving fan mail, and has even become a bit of a celebrity in Egerton village, where the family lives.

The youngster’s creativity, as he came up with some of the challenges, was rewarded with a visit from the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Linda Thomas, for helping lift people’s spirits at this difficult time.

The lockdown activity was inspired by the Teacher5ADay designed to improve wellbeing for those who work in education, like Chris.

He said: “It was also about developing new skills.

"We posted the challenges on social media, but there are conversations that happen off camera about losing, winning and being competitive.

“It was a lot of fun, we came up with challenges together, some we would have to try and see if they worked out first,” he added.

Through the videos, the youngster became a bit of a local hero, with people spurring him on, so much so it reached the mayor’s office, with Cllr Thomas presenting a certificate in person to Jacob.

He also received a fan letter and £30 in the post, which he is donating to the Turton Rotary Santa Sleigh appeal, which also inspired one of their challenges, with Chris running 5k and Jacob cycling 5k in Santa outfits.

Chris said: “There has been a real community spirit, with people recognising Jay in the village from the video, and having the mayor visit was wonderful for Jacob, who she invited to the town hall when this is all over.”

Jacob said: “My favourite challenge was the body bowlers, my dad came up with the best challenges.

“Seeing the mayor was really really good.”

The mayor has been presenting certificates of recognition to those who have made a difference to others during lockdown.

Her letter to Jacob said: “Your daily lockdown challenges in and around your home and garden were amazing.

“You lifted many’s people’s spirits in a time of despair and kept active in the process,” she added.