A seven-year-old girl has been called an inspiration after she raised money for Smarden's Big Cat Sanctuary.

Isabella Mercer, from East Dean, earned £159 by running a small tuck shop in school and appealing for cash online.

Her mother Kate said: "It was all off her own back.

"She has always shown an interest in nature, especially dinosaurs. She saw a programme about big cats on TV and she just fell in love with the animals.

"She said she wanted to help and a friend suggested the Big Cat Sanctuary so we decided that was what she wanted to give money to."

Isabella got the chance to visit the sanctuary when handing over the money.

Mrs Mercer added: "She's lucky to have found something that she enjoys and is so passionate about at a young age.

"People go through their whole lives and don't find something they can pursue with all their heart.

"As her mum, I'm quite speechless at the reaction to her fundraising. It's amazing really - it's fantastic that so many people have supported her."