LITTLE Henry Coombs and his friends have gone out of their way to make sure people in crisis have a proper Christmas dinner this year.

The seven-year-old, who goes to Bybrook Valley Primary in Yatton Keynell, was shocked to see some homeless people setting up for the night and asked his mum if he could collect donations for a foodbank.

He and his best pals David Schoeman and Seb Cunningham, both seven, set up a collection point at their school to help fill up the shelves of Corsham’s Foodbank with special festive items.

They were overjoyed at the response and filled two large shopping trolleys full of donations.

Henry’s mum Carmen Coombs said: “When Henry saw some homeless people in Bath, he really could not believe his eyes. He has asked questions of us ever since.”

When the boys and their brothers and sisters visited the foodbank to donate their collection, secretary Gill Drew spent time with the children explaining the work of the foodbank.

She said: “The 1st Corsham Brownies and schools did a collection at Harvest time, but it hasn’t happened before that an individual child has taken the initiative. It was a lovely surprise.

"It’s very encouraging, heartwarming when children know there is a need and they’re willing to do something to help.

“We will be sending out 40 special Christmas boxes on December 15 to people in Corsham referred to us by local agencies.”

Mrs Coombs said: “It was important for the children to see how the foodbank worked and how their efforts will really make a difference to those who are less fortunate.”

The children also organised a charity Christmas cake sale, which was held at Bybrook Valley on Friday and raised £123 for the homeless charity Shelter.

Corsham’s foodbank is open to those with food vouchers from agencies such health visitors, housing associations or Citizens’ Advice Bureau, 10-11.30am on Tuesdays and 10am-midday on Saturdays, in St Aldhelm’s Church, Pickwick Road.

Mrs Drew said: “Most of the people using our emergency service are in employment but struggling to get by and keep up with fuel and rent and eating. Quite a few are single parents.”