A 12-year-old boy has come to the rescue of a homeless man whose tent destroyed by vandals by spending his pocket money on a replacement.
Henry Prince decided to spend his £20 pocket money on a tent for the man after new homeless charity Burton HOPE launched an appeal when the vandals struck.
The charity, which was recently set up to fill the gap in support for those made homeless in the town, praised the generosity of the youngster and former Foremarke Hall School pupil, in Milton, near Repton, who handed over his own tent to the charity.
Henry, who is now home tutored, said he took action after feeling guilty about his own home comforts.
He said: "I heard about the man through Burton HOPE as my mum volunteers with them. The man has got nothing and I hate bullies. Winter is coming I don't want him to be cold and wet.
"I felt guilty that I am comfortable and warm, with clean water and food, and angry because my sister and my mum have experienced racism against them in the past.
"It made them sad and I don't want the man to feel the same way they did and he is all alone."
While Henry attended Foremarke Hall School, he said it showed him how lucky he was. He said: "Going to Foremarke showed me how lucky I am but mum wants me to see not everyone is lucky.
"I only started getting pocket money at the beginning of the year and I don't really spend it on anything in particular. My parents and Santa give me so much at Christmas and birthday, so I give my pocket money back to my mum for her to buy chocolates, food and other things for the homeless in Burton and Derby."
Henry, who lives in Ashbourne, added: "Our town is lucky that we have no homeless people so my mum is showing us other places which needs help."
His mother, Narisa, said: "I am proud, especially in the environment both Henry and his sister Lauren were brought up in. Among a super wealthy crowd, they both remain grounded, never asked for anything for themselves and both love giving."
On behalf of Burton HOPE, John Anderson said: "Henry stepped up to the mark when a plea was put out for a tent for a homeless man.
"Henry bought a tent with his pocket money and his mum Narisa donated it to the charity and HOPE volunteer Steph Foster handed it over to the homeless man. It just goes to show what real teamwork and great generosity can do."
