A schoolboy is following in the steps of millionaire Wimbledon whizz kid Nick D’Aloisio by launching his own mobile phone app – aged just seven.

Dhyan Ruparel, from Tooting Bec, launched his app idea, Greedy Ladder, to be used on iPad and iPhone, in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The talented youngster, who attends Finton House School, Tooting Bec, was inspired to create the game after watching his father at a hackathon in Poland last September via video calling programme Skype.

Dhyan’s mother, Tina Ruparel, said: “Skype was literally on for 48 hours, so he was deciding what apps should get made.”

Since then Dhyan worked with a specialist team of developers in Poland to bring the game to life.

The app was released in mid- May and has gained more than 1,000 downloads.

Mrs Ruparel said: “It was something that came out of the blue, it is quite an unusual thing for a seven-year old to do, but we are so proud of him and that we were glad that it was for charity so we encouraged him all the way.

“He is definitely an entrepreneur in the making.”

The aim of the game is for users to take their character up a ladder laden with food in six different cities from London to New York.

The idea is to get to the top as fast as you can and be number one on the ladder board.

The game also promotes a healthy message, it teaches children to maintain a good diet balance to race fast.

Dhyan, said: “You must eat the right food whilst going up the ladder and avoid sweets and most importantly don’t get hit by objects like shoes and buses.”

A daily news website called cultofmac.com in America described the Greedy Ladder app as “The cutest thing ever” in a recent review.

The game can be downloaded for free from the App Store where you can race the London ladder for free. So far the app has raised £100 for charity from the additional purchase of other cities in the game such as Hong Kong, Paris, Agra or Tokyo.

Visit greedyladder.com.