A BIG-HEARTED schoolboy is donating his Christmas savings to feed the homeless.

Zack Jennings, from Middlewich, was so upset to see an old man crying in a doorway he bought him lunch with his pocket money.

The eight-year-old has now arranged to provide a hot meal for 200 people on the street and he has launched an appeal to feed the homeless on Christmas Day.

His mum Paula, of Nightingale Close, said: "Zack is very caring and has a heart of gold.

"We was really distraught when he saw an elderly homeless man crying in Liverpool. He said to me: "I don't want anything for Christmas. I want to give it all to the homeless."

Paula contacted her friend Colette Norton, who runs Dial A Roast on the Wirral, and they have arranged to provide a hot meal for 200 homeless people at St Michael's Church in Liverpool on Friday, December 7.

"It's all Zack's idea," said Paula. "He has given his own money that he saved and me, my mum and Colette have all matched it. He was willing to give up all of his money and have nothing for Christmas. We couldn't let that happen but he wanted us to take £50."

Zack, a pupil at Cledford Primary School, first became aware of the homeless on a bus ride to Liverpool during the summer two years ago.

Paula said: "There was a homeless girl aged around 16 in a doorway who was very upset. Zack made me get off the bus and help her. He was only six but from that day every Christmas he has wanted to do something for the homeless."

Keen footballer Zack plays for Middlewich under nines and trains with Crewe Alexandra's professional football coaches.

"He is a typical rough and ready little boy and loves football," said Paula. "He said if he becomes a famous footballer he will open his own charity for the homeless. And if he does a normal job he will do something for the homeless every month when he gets paid."

Zack's brothers Ben, 13, a pupil at Middlewich High School, and Jude, five, who attends Cledford Primary School, will be helping him feed the homeless.

His older brother Harry, 20, has pledged his support but is unable to help as he serves with the RAF.

"We're doing this as a family," added Paula. "Me and his dad Stephen are really really proud of him."

Head teacher Jane Booth said: “This family typify the ethos of Cledford Primary School. We are extremely proud of the initiative shown by Zack and his younger sibling Jude in helping others who are less fortunate than themselves.

“ It is especially poignant during the festive period when a lot of children are thinking about what they want from Father Christmas. We hope everyone in the community will give what they can to support this cause.”

Money raised from Zack's appeal will supply food for YMCAs and homes for the vulnerable at Christmas.

To donate visit gofundme.com/help-feed-the-homeless-at-xmas.