THE old saying goes that a good deed is its own reward – but surprise gifts certainly don’t hurt.

Sisters Lauren Ward, 10, and Olivia Wilson, five, did not expect anything in return when they and their mum Helen and dad Tom made a resolution to spend a year spreading kindness and generosity to cheer up the less fortunate.

One of their monthly good deeds for worthy causes around Swindon involved donating Christmas presents to Ridgeway Rise Care Home residents, spending time with those who don’t receive visitors, and organising a ‘beach day’ event.

Lauren, from Moredon, said: “We just wanted to make the world a better place and help people who were struggling.

"The care home day was my favourite. It was really nice and fun and the people there were very sweet.

“We made a pledge to do one good deed a month for a year and I’m glad we did it.”

Staff were so touched by these thoughtful gestures that they decided to give something back to show their appreciation to the kind-hearted family.

Kinga Dabrowska, from Ridgeway Rise, said: “I met the girls last year when their mum contacted me to ask what they could do to support us.

“They made a big difference, bringing sunshine and smiles to the care home.

“They are a beautiful family and we feel humbled by their actions, impressed by their commitment and amazed by the wonderful example they have set. If more people were like them, the world would be a better place.”

The family donated supplies to the homeless, supported STEP Swindon, donated pet food to SN Dogs, donated money to Swindon Domestic Abuse Support, donated food to the Swindon Food Collective, litter-picked in St Andrew's Ridge, went vegetarian for a month and rescued a cat.

Kinga visited Moredon School with Clare Fantini-Stephens from SN Dogs to surprise Lauren with gifts as a thank-you for her family’s thoughtfulness.

Lauren thought she was going to a regular assembly and was shocked when she received flowers from care home resident Franco and vouchers for photograph, along with coupons for dance and martial arts sessions with MF Dance.

Mum Helen said: “We never expected anything back but it’s something my girls are going to remember forever.”

Fiona Prendergast from Moredon School said: “We are extremely proud of Lauren and her family. She is a hardworking and conscientious student. I hope this inspires others to do similar good deeds.”