Boy opens 'present bank' to help others

Isaac has been inundated with donated gifts

A 12-year-old boy, already known for setting up food banks in his home town, has turned his talents to collecting Christmas presents for families in need.

Isaac, from Redditch in Worcestershire, has been operating a "present bank" from the Greenlands pub in the town in the run-up to Christmas.

He started his first food bank in 2020 during lockdown, and now runs five.

Isaac said: "I'm Santa's special helper, and he asked me to do it. A couple of months ago we started collecting the toys."

Isaac's mother Claire-Louise told BBC Hereford & Worcester: "It's absolutely incredible and it's reduced me to tears on a number of occasions - the generosity that our community and people across the UK have shown.

"I thought we might be able to help 20 or 30 children have a happier Christmas, but to be able to help hundreds of children in Redditch is just an incredible achievement."

The Greenlands pub was awash with gifts for the present bank

The collection included toys, games and chocolate selection boxes, but also toiletries and clothing plus wrapping paper and tape to offer families what Claire-Louise described as the "complete Christmas".

Parents were queuing out of the door for the present bank's final session on Thursday.

One mother, Donna Price, said: "I've come to pick up some presents for my six children."

Adding that Christmas was "expensive but great fun", she said she thought Isaac was "amazing, absolutely amazing".

Another mum, Hayley Richards, said: "I'm really shocked how much is here... it's overwhelming. But it's amazing what they do."