KENT has been ranked the third most generous county, according to figures released by anti-poverty charity ActionAid.

More than 1,760 residents sponsored children living in poverty across Africa, Asia and South America.

A total of 1,930 poverty-stricken children received £401,500 in sponsorship this year, with all the money going directly to the youngsters and their community.

ActionAid’s child sponsorship team member Dawn Wyatt said: “At a time when life is financially harder for most of us, the generosity of people in Kent is inspiring and absolutely vital in supporting ActionAid’s work.

“For many, December is often just another month of starvation and not a festive season.”

Home-owners in Kent have sponsored a total of 6,611 children through the charity since it was established in 1972, enough to fill 270 primary school classes.

Donators in Surrey topped the list, sponsoring 2,363 children.

ActionAid’s ‘Sponsor a Child’ campaign puts sponsors in contact with a child less fortunate than themselves, allowing donated money to benefit them directly.

TOP FIVE DONATING COUNTIES

Surrey - 2,363 children sponsored

Lancashire - 2,062 children sponsored

Kent - 1,932 children sponsored

West Yorkshire - 1,806 children sponsored

West Midlands - 1,649 children sponsored