A LITTLE crusader from East Lancashire has stepped up to the mark to help provide a brighter future for youngsters in earthquake-hit Haiti.

Four-year-old Sebastian Burton, from Baxenden, was so moved by the plight of children suffering in the after-effects of the natural disaster, earlier this month, that he wanted to do something to help.

His school, St Mary’s RC Primary in Bury Road, Haslingden, had staged a non-uniform day, which provided him with further inspiration.

So he roped in three-year-old sister Amelia and the family Dalmatian dog Zeus for a sponsored walk to Haslingden’s Halo and back, from St Mary’s.

The tiny trooper told the Lancashire Telegraph: “I wanted to do something for the poor children in Haiti.”

With the help of mum and dad, Julie and Anthony, of Southwood Drive, a justgiving website was launched for supporters.

And by the time he set off for the two-mile trek, with grandparents Cecilia and Peter Burton, from Oswaldtwistle, in tow, he had pledges of more than £200.

Julie said: “They had the non-uniform day but Sebastian decided he wanted to raise more money for the children.”

Cecilia said: “It’s just nice, the fact that they are aware that there are children far less fortunate than themsleves, not just in the earthquake area but other places too.”

The Burtons were seen off from St Mary’s Presbytery by Father Richard O’Connor, parish priest, who also held a collection for Haiti disaster victims in church on Sunday.