A WEST Somerset schoolboy is doing his bit to help refugee children by providing them with kits, toys and essentials to bring a smile to their faces.

Alexander Winzer said he was appalled after seeing photos of the refugee children and seeing some first hand when he was in Calais over the summer and decided he wanted to do something to help.

Now the 12-year-old West Somerset College student has set up a website for people to donate so he can make kits for children, featuring items for young people, such as crayons and teddy bears, at the camps.

“It’s really appalling to see what is happening and I feel like the children are being a bit overlooked,” he said.

“They’ve had to leave their homes because they aren’t safe there but they also aren’t safe when they move, they’re being treated more like bugs than humans.

“I wanted to do something to help them and bring a bit of normality into their lives, even if they can just forget what is happening for a few minutes and it helps to put a smile on their faces.

“I want to collect money to put the kits together, and I want to fill at least 100 gym bags.”

The bags will include crayons, colouring books, cuddly toys, toothpastes, toothbrushes, vitamins, sweets, a warm hat, a rain poncho, and an emergency blanket, with each bag costing about £10.

Alexander added: “When we have enough money to pack the bags, we will check where they are most needed at the time.

“This could be Greece or somewhere else in south-east Europe. I would really like to help as many of these children get through their toughest times and that is why I have come up with this idea.”

To find out more or if you would like to donate, you can visit Alexander’s website at kitsbykids.co.uk.

Alexander is looking for people in West Somerset and Taunton Deane who are able to act as collection points for items to get in touch by visiting the website.