A BLANDFORD youngster decided to take action after being touched by heartbreaking images of the conflict in the Middle East.

Xander Bagnall, a year 6 pupil at Milldown Academy, raised more than £300 in aid of Save the Children to help with amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The charity helps more than 45 million children across the world to gain access to the medicine, food, support, and education they need.

Xander’s parents said they were proud of their son’s determination to do something to help.

They said: “Xander has been incredibly moved by the events happening in Israel at the moment.

“He has been deeply concerned about the people who have been killed, injured, or forced out of their homes, including a family friend and his young family, who were forced to flee.

“He was desperate to raise funds for those affected so sought the support of school to make a difference.”

With an original fundraising target of £30, Xander said he was delighted to have raised so much more.

“I didn’t expect we would raise this much, so thank you to everyone for your donations and support, this will really help loads of children,” he said.

Xander Bagnall decided to take action after seeing shocking images from the Middle East

Headteacher at Milldown, James Law, added: “Our whole school curriculum seeks to encourage staff and pupils to commit to showing acts of kindness to others in a bid to help make significant improvements in the local community and beyond.

“I am not only impressed by Xander’s generosity and the commitment he has shown to this wonderful act of kindness, but I am also proud of his fellow pupils, their families, and others outside the school community who have supported him with the many donations received.”