A 12-YEAR-OLD boy from Darwen will be helping a community organisation to feed the homeless and hungry this winter.

Over the last few weeks, Ollie Newsham, who attends St Bede's High School in Blackburn, has been filling socks with toiletries, treats and other small items to give to Community Spirit, a group that helps the homeless and people suffering crisis in Blackburn with Darwen.

Ollie, whose Nan, Angela Ingram, volunteers with Community Spirit, said: “When my nan told me about people who are hungry and cold and those who have nowhere to live it made me feel sad and I knew I wanted to help.

"I love having a warm bedroom and lots of food and treats and I think it’s unfair if there are people who aren’t as lucky as me."

After speaking with family and friends, Ollie set about filling winter socks, which will be given out at the Community Spirit Soup Kitchen's Christmas meal on December 18.

Ollie added: "I’ve started filling some soft, winter socks so that at least these people will have warm feet.

"It gives me a lovely feeling to think that I’ve helped somebody this winter."

Founder and trustee of Community Spirit, Debbie Miller said: "It’s heart-warming to hear that 12-year-old Ollie has thought about the people who use our soup kitchen.

"What a delightful gesture from someone so young.

“We know from experience, that the Christmas meal helps to give those who find themselves in the unfortunate position of having to use Community Spirit, a feeling of self-worth, which many are lacking, through no fault of their own.

"We realise that many families are strapped for cash at this time of year, and we appreciate what Ollie and his family and friends have done."

For more information on how to donate items to Community Spirit, call 07851331008 or e mail neilcurrie92@gmail.com

Alternatively, visit the group’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/Community-Spirit.