A generous schoolgirl will sacrifice her presents this Christmas, asking instead for donations to charity.

Lottie Thorpe, of Trafalgar Junior School, has so far raised more than £800 for London charity Kids Company, which provides support for vulnerable inner-city children.

When asked by family members what presents she would like, the 10-year-old said she thought money would be better off going to those in need than on presents for her.

She said: "I just thought that there are lots of children who aren’t as lucky as me and don’t have the things that I have - like parents and a sister and a cat and a dog, and I thought that even if the money I gave them is only enough to buy them a picture book each it might make their Christmas a bit nicer."

Her mother, Rachel, said she made Lottie picture a Christmas with nothing to open while the rest of her family still have presents, but Lottie has stuck to her guns.

Ms Thorpe said: "She hasn't wavered at all and is saving up all her advent calendar chocolate so that she can have that to look forward to on Christmas Day."

Her father has decided to show his solidarity, asking friends and family to donate to Lottie’s page as opposed to buying him presents.

Lottie initially hoped to raise £200, but is waiting until Christmas Day to find out the total figure.

Mrs Thorpe said: "We’re really proud of her.

"It’s lovely and unexpected and very genuine. She doesn’t go round talking about it.

"The local community have been great - Trafalgar parents and kids have donated and members of Thames Turbos (her triathlon club) as well as friends and family."

Lottie chose to raise money for Kids Company after she was moved by their video of a young boy suffering at Christmas, placing the link on her Just Giving page.

Donate to Lottie's fund at justgiving.com/Lottie-Thorpe.