AN 11-year-old girl has been praised for spending Christmas Day donating items to people who are homeless in Cwmbran.

Madison Preece, 11, of Earl Close in Garndiffaith, devoted her time during November and December to filling 17 boxes of food and gifts, in an attempt to make Christmas “special for homeless people”.

Miss Janet Tomlinson, who is Madison’s grandmother, said her granddaughter’s inspiration to help homeless people came from a TV advert.

She said: “It all started with an advert which was trying to raise awareness of homelessness last December.

“Next minute we found that Madison had started collecting money for the homeless.”

She added: “We didn’t know she was doing it but it clearly upset her.

“I’m so proud of what my granddaughter has done.”

This year, Madison appealed for both food and gift donations from people, including at Garn Working Men’s Club.

Madison’s mum, Hannah Furlow, 41, who is manager at the working men’s club, said: “Lots of people donated to Madison’s appeal.

“I know the darts’ team at the club gave £45, so we used it to buy blankets, shampoo, food and other things for people who are homeless.”

She added: “I am very thankful to people at the club for donating a lot of money and items.

“My other child, Che, asked the football team that he plays for to donate items.

“So much was donated and I think it’ll make a lot of people happy.”

The family took 17 “near to burst” boxes to St Dials Youth Centre building, in Old Cwmbran, on Christmas Day, where people were waiting for the donated items.

Madison said she felt “really happy” in donating the items.

She said: “I enjoyed it all and it was quite fun.

“I felt sorry for some of the people in the building.

“But I feel proud of myself.”

Miss Furlow added: “When my mum, me and Madison went inside the building I think there were about 15 people waiting.

“They looked very happy to have the items.

“Madison has, for as long as I can remember, always wanted to help people.

“This year Madison with some of her friends she took part in a sponsored walk to help raise money for autism charity Hope GB and Cancer Research Wales.

“The walk was roughly four miles.

“We all feel so proud of what she has done and I’m sure she will want to do the same next year.”