A Darwen schoolgirl's efforts to fundraise enough money to produce 100 Christmas presents for vulnerable families has been praised.

Ana Bhegani who attends Sudell Primary School is the youngest volunteer at Darwen Community Helpers (DCH). 

In August the seven-year-old collected 200 items for the new food bank for the community group. This made her more determined to 'keep spreading her kindness'. 

Mum Nadia said: “She asked Samantha Nye who runs DCH if for her next volunteering duty she could do something that meant a lot to her. 

"Samantha fully supported Ana in her wish to prevent children in the community going without a Christmas present this year. 

“Ana has received lots of support from everyone in the community and from her dad’s workplace, EE Accrington Call Centre who made generous donations.

"Donations from everyone who helped enabled Ana to provide 100 Christmas presents.”

Ana made Santa sacks and separated them into smaller packs to ensure each child’s present had a variety of treats. 

Nadia added: “The sacks included, scratch art, felt notes & crosses game, Christmas sticker fun, dice for games, jewellery making kit, mini deck of cards, DIY Christmas deco kit, DIY bookmark and tassel, paint set, colouring pencils set, felt tip pens set, glue and a craft pack.”

The presents will be distributed by DCH to children in Darwen this Christmas.