A YOUNGSTER has been using his entrepreneurial skills to raise money to support his local hospital.

Joe Gradon, eight, has designed, made and sold scissor pouches to local hairdressers in the Stanley area.

He took his inspiration from his hairdresser mum, Hayley, who owns The Secret Salon.

The South Stanley Junior School pupil designed and cut out the NHS branded scissor holders which he passed to his grandma, Rita, to sew.

Initially setting himself a target of £50, Joe then went on to sell the items to friends and family raising over £300.

Joe said: “I’m really pleased with how much money I’ve raised to help the hospital.

“To begin with I was only aiming for £50 so to raise so much more is brilliant.

“Even though I’m missing school and all my friends I think it’s really important that everyone does something, no matter how big or small, to help others at the moment.”

All monies raised from Joe’s crafting initiative will be donated to the Intensive Care Ward at University Hospital Durham.

His headteacher, Rachel Bell, said: “To learn that Joe taken it upon himself to do such an amazing thing does not surprise me. Joe is a fantastic ambassador for our school, we are all extremely proud of him.

“As always, he has shown great initiative and his kindness is boundless.”