A KIND-hearted little boy is on a fundraising mission to help a charity which works to feed the homeless and needy.

Ashley Copeland, from Wibsey, decided to do a sponsored litter pick and tidy-up of Harold Park, Low Moor, during the summer break in a bid to raise money for the Bradford Curry Project.

The eight-year-old Woodside Academy pupil set himself an initial target of £100, but has already doubled that figure.

His mum Michelle Copeland, 41, couldn’t be prouder of her little star.

She said: “He always sees people on the street begging for money.

"He does give them money, or we will buy a sausage roll because he nags at us to get something.

“He doesn’t think it’s right that some people don’t have food or anywhere to live and he wanted to know if he could do something to help them.”

The idea of a sponsored event was soon borne and as Ashley and his family are regular visitors to Harold Park he settled on the idea of a litter pick and tidy-up.

Mrs Copeland said: “This is all his own idea as he knows how fortunate he is and he wants to spend some of his time in the holidays trying to help others less fortunate.

“He thinks everyone should be able to eat a hot meal every day.”

He will now be in the park every two days to pick up litter and raise vital funds for the charity.

“I’m so proud of him. It’s lovely that he has even thought about it.

“There are a lot of kids that wouldn’t think about it. It’s his birthday coming up and you would think he’d be more interested in that.”

A spokesman for the Bradford Curry Project, which is based at The Christadelphian Hall, Lidget Green, said: “Every year we are always left amazed by the wonderful donations we receive throughout the year from a variety of organisation, but our biggest donors of food are actually schools.

“We are delighted with Ashley’s initiative and it’s nice to see him showing the true spirit of humanity by thinking of those who have fallen on hard times.

“In a time where the need for such services is on the increase, it’s wonderful to see Ashley setting a great example for us all to follow.

“We look forward to promoting Ashley’s fundraiser and encouraging fellow Bradfordians to follow in his footsteps.”

Bradford Curry Project brings together all faiths to help those in need.

It serves a two or three-course meal once a week on a Saturday.

To make a donation to Ashley’s fundraising challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/michelle-copeland