CHRISTMAS came early for two selfless brothers whose piggy bank donation inspired an even bigger handout to people in need this season.

Harvey Bagnall, aged four, and his two-year-old brother Oscar were this week praised for their kind gesture which went towards a fund for a free Christmas dinner for people who would otherwise spend the day alone or not be able to afford the traditional lunch.

Yesterday the little ones, of Newton Aycliffe, were invited to Tesco Extra where they were given the chance to pick one gift for themselves and helped choose £100 worth of food for the Christmas day dinner at Neville Community Centre.

Caroline Fenwick, services manager at the store, said: “We think it was an absolutely fantastic example for children to set.

“We believe what they’ve done is a brilliant and lovely gesture and think the children should be rewarded for that.”

The boys handed the piggy bank filled with change to Santa at a grotto and fundraiser organised by the town’s neighbourhood police team in their town centre unit on Sunday.

It was not until later that evening that PCSO Jen Atkinson realised they had left the piggy bank, with a note enclosed.

Using the signed note, a photo taken with the boys at the event and Facebook she managed to track down the pair.

PCSO Atkinson said: “For people so young to think of others is just such a heartwarming thing.

“We’re a small town and we look out for each other and support good causes where we can.

“It’s a relatively small amount but it’s such a refreshing attitude.”

She and colleague PC Mike Welch attended Tesco who they collaborated with to organise an appearance from Spider-Man, courtesy of DFY Party Planning.

They also hope to organise a surprise ride for the boys in the back of a police car home from Harvey’s school, Stephenson Way Academy.

After rubbing shoulders with one of their favourite superheroes in Tesco, Harvey and Oscar chose a fire engine and count along till respectively, and selected a range of food and drinks including the elements for a cheese board and desserts.

The boys’ father James Bagnall said: “At the end of the day the boys didn’t do this to get anything in return - we haven’t brought them up like that.

“We sat them down and we spoke about Christmas and how it can be a jolly time but sometimes a sad time.

“We are overwhelmed by the community, Newton Aycliffe, Tesco and the police.

“We don’t have a lot of money ourselves so for him to do that I’m speechless.

“I’m more happy that Tesco is donating the £100 than the boys getting their presents.”

Their mum Lisa Allan added: “They don’t understand the response they have got but hopefully they will carry on like this.”

The grotto fundraiser events in Newton Aycliffe were held on December 2 and on Sunday.

Organised by the police, they were supported by charity champion Honest John Hilton, Livin and Tesco.

It raised more than £500 and was attended by over 1,000 people.