FOUR-year-old Sebastien Higgins learned to ride a bicycle before he could swim.

Now, the Caerwent lad, who was given his first bike for Christmas at the age of two, is to cycle across one of the Severn bridges and back.

Sebastien was so inspired by the work of volunteers at a dog rescue charity, where his family recently adopted a greyhound called Suki, that he is using his passion for peddling to raise funds and awareness.

The Shirenewton Primary School pupil wants to help the Bristol Dog Action Welfare Group DAWG, which rescues and re-homes greyhounds and lurchers, by cycling without stabilisers 10km across the old Severn bridge and back with his dad Nick, 43.

Mum Helen, 33, said Sebastien is a cycling fanatic and is a huge fan of the Tour de France.

She said: "His first bike was a balance bike. He took to it straight away and was zooming around on the grass."

"At two-and-a-half he learned to ride a pedal bicycle in ten minutes."

"We would take him to Wentwood Forest to cycle where he could do little jumps.

Last year Sebastien joined ‘Cycle Tots’ a weekly-class for young children at the Velodrome in Newport .

He is so advanced that he cycles in the five to seven year-old class learning about balance, agility and navigating obstacles without stabilisers.

"He loves watching the Tour de France and the Olympic events, especially Bradley Wiggins," said Helen.

"Nick is a keen cyclist and was part of a team that completed a charity cycle ride from John O’Groats to Lands End last year. Sebastien has been really inspired by him and his 18-month-old sister Améle, is also taking an interest."

"We adopted Suki, a two-year-old rescue greyhound, from the charity three weeks ago and after meeting one of the Trustees Sebastien said he wanted to do something to save a doggie’s life."

"It costs a lot to rescue, vaccinate and care for the dogs until they are re-homed. So far he has raised £210 and has had pledges from friends and family to help with those costs and we're so proud of him for wanting to do something."

Waitrose supermarket in Caldicot have donated cakes as has Dove Cote Cakes to sell with tea at the start line on Saturday.

Tom Young, a DAWG volunteer said: "In the first 24 hours he raised over £100 in pledges, which is absolutely outstanding, not to mention commendable, for one so young."

"Sebastien is an outstanding example to other kids of his age. It’s an amazing feat for a four-year old who is helping to raise awareness of DAWG and the work it does."

Sebastien will start his challenge at midday on November 24 on the Welsh side of the old Severn bridge near the lay-by.

For details visit www.dawg.org.uk