The five-year-old youngster – who was made a member of Mensa aged three – achieved a perfect score after challenging himself to spell 50 difficult words and raise money for victims of the recent cyclone in Bangladesh.

Mikhail completed his spelling marathon at Froebelian School, Horsforth, with ITV newsreader Nina Hossain – who also co-presented the BBC's Hard Spell programme – on hand to read out the words.

Words on Mikhail's list included traditional stumpers like lieutenant, colonel and meteorological, but he sailed through the test.

All the words were linked to cyclones and their effects and were taken from a newspaper article about the Bangladesh disaster, which is believed to have claimed more than 3,000 lives.

Mikhail's mum Shamsun, from Bramley, said: "He just absolutely loves spelling. I am very proud of him."

Headmaster, John Tranmer, added: "Mikhail did tremendously well. His heart's really been in it because he did it for the cyclone appeal.

"Now he just needs a few more people to put their hands in their pockets so he can raise even more for the appeal."

Mikhail's spellathon is expected to raise £5,000. In total, Mikhail and his mum are hoping to raise £20,000 for the Bangladesh cyclone appeal, with more events being planned for the coming months.

To make a donation, log on to: www.mikhailali.com