TWO boys who started a campaign to help the homeless after seeing people sleeping rough in Newcastle were among the Shrievalty award winners.

Jack and Tom Hobbs, from Stanley, visited the city just after Christmas and started collecting warm clothes, sleeping bags and blankets after seeing people living on the streets.

Jack, ten, and Tom, five, who attend St Mary’s Junior School, have collected around 1,000 items which are shared between the Tommy Armstrong Centre in Stanley and The People’s Kitchen in Newcastle.

They were nominated for a High Sheriff’s Shrievalty Award by Jane Morland at Northumbrian Water, who said: “Because of their selfless efforts to support people who otherwise would simply be ignored and walked past, they are both role models for other young people as they have demonstrated an attitude and mind-set beyond their years.”

Their father, Gavin Hobbs, of Iveston Terrace, Shield Row, said: “It was amazing to see them get their award, a very proud moment for me and their mum, Anna.

"They have been very humble about it. It has been about collecting.

“It has meant the world to me and there is still stuff coming at the moment.

“Because they are only five and ten that is what has moved people and we want to keep the momentum going.”

Anyone who wants to help can call Mr Hobbs on 07432-693-558 or take it straight to the St Joseph’s Church in Stanley where the clothes are stored.