NINE-year-old Sophie Pollock has proved to be a little gem for the charity that helps her mother, disabled veteran Anna.

Anna uses the facilities at the Help for Heroes recovery centre at Phoenix House on Catterick Garrison and young Sophie wanted to raise cash for the vital service,

So she has been making and selling jewellery from a kit she got last Christmas with all the proceeds going to the charity.

“Sophie wanted to shave her head for Help for Heroes after seeing people do it for cancer while I was taking part in the Arch to Arc triathlon challenge from London to Paris last month,” said Anna, who lives on the garrison with husband Scott.

“I told her to wait until I got back and she agreed to do something else, and making jewellery was her idea. She just set up a little stall outside and waited for people to go past.

“She has only raised about £10 but hopes to raise more over half term – it is very sweet that she is so keen to raise money for the charity that has helped me so much.”