A GENEROUS youngster has raised hundreds of pounds for charity - by giving up birthday presents.


Ryley Newman asked friends coming to his sixth birthday party to donate money instead of buying him a present.


And he raised more than £240 for the Colchester Children’s Charity Appeal - with more money still coming in.


The money is going towards the 100,000 Smiles appeal, supported by the Gazette, to pay for a play area for the disabled children at Lexden Springs School in Colchester.

Roy Kemp, a trustee and treasurer of the children’s charity appeal, said: “I think what this little boy has done is absolutely brilliant.


“We are so grateful to him and to all our donors.”


The 100,000 Smiles appeal needs to raise £100,000. The total raised so far stands at more than £34,000 but more donations are needed.


To contribute to the appeal, send a cheque to the Lexden Springs Appeal Fund at Lexden Springs School, Halstead Road, Colchester, or go to the justgiving site at www.justgiving.com/lexdensprings.