A CARING five-year-old from Taunton has written a letter to his school asking people to donate a present for less fortunate children this Christmas.

Jay Newton, from Bishop’s Hull Primary School, has asked his fellow classmates to bring in a new present to be donated to the Christmas Sparkle Project, a scheme that aims to bring presents to children in Taunton and Wellington.

The pupils have been generous so far, but have until tomorrow (December 2) to donate.

Proud mum, Annette Newton, said: “I usually have a chat with Jay around this time every year, we talk about how there are some children that don’t have as much as him and are less fortunate than him.

“When we found the Christmas Sparkle Project, Jay wanted to write a letter to his school to see if he could help.

“I had to explain to him to not get his hopes up, because not everyone can give, but we have had lots of presents collected so far.

“We’d really love to get as many presents as possible by our deadline before the ladies from the project come to collect the boxes.

“Jay is so excited and I am just so proud of him.”

Jay said in his letter: “At Christmas time, not all children get a present. This year, I would like more children to get a present on Christmas day.

“If you can bring in a new present to school by Friday that would be great.”

Gill Harrison, founder of the Christmas Sparkle Project, says that the group has had a wonderful response so far during the second year the project has been running.

Boxes have been emptied weekly from Taunton Library, Taunton Visitor’s Centre and Timpsons.

She said: “I find it heart warming that such a young child cares so much for others less fortunate than himself and is prepared to take action to help them.”

To find out more about how you can donate a gift this Christmas, visit: www.christmas-sparkle.org.