'Incredible' is the word that Captain Sir Thomas Moore - or Captain Tom as the world knows him - called five-year-old Betty Leigh-Allinson after she raised more than £32k for charity.

The country's much-loved lockdown hero should know an amazing achievement when he sees one - after he raised more than £30m for good causes.

Not content with being on Good Morning Britain last week with Carol Vorderman at the Pride of Britain launch while David Beckham hailed her fundraising efforts - as well as being praised by former England goalkeeper David Seaman in a surprise visit - Betty has now won the seal of approval from Captain Tom.

"Well done Betty on your incredible charity cycle ride," read the message from one national treasure to another, Betty.

North Herts Garden House Hospice Care thanked Captain Tom for his kind words of support after Betty won the hearts of many during lockdown by riding a mile a day for the charity.

Inspirational Betty who lives with mum Faye and dad Lee in Codicote, near Hitchin, decided to embark on the challenge after a planned family holiday to Disneyland fell through because of the coronavirus crisis - so she decided that she would raise much-needed funds for the charity that her 'nanny' Jean Allinson works for instead.

In challenging times as Covid griped the globe, Betty rode a mile a day in a different football shirt - winning the support of many in the game from top to bottom.

At the end of her efforts Arsenal supporter Betty received a surprise visit from the FA Cup after the north London giants wanted to mark her sterling efforts with a little surprise.

The news travelled so far even football's world governing body FIFA covered the story - and used Hitchin Nub News' exclusive photograph of Betty.

Garden House Hospice, where the funds raised by Betty will be directed, added: "Captain Tom's praise will mean the world to her."