There will be fewer hungry people in Maidstone this month thanks to an initiative by a mum and her two young sons.

Kelly Janes, 42, from Barming, and her boys Luca, 10, and Rhys, seven, decided they wanted to help those who were struggling to put food on the plate.

So they made a video of Luca appealing for donations of food and essentials and posted it on Facebook.

They were overwhelmed by the response.

Mrs Janes said: "We collected so much, it was just amazing!"

The Brunswick House pupils took the items to the Salvation Army in Union Street to distribute to those in need, where Captain Marion Rouffet was delighted to receive them.

Family friend Lisa Dennis said: "Kelly and her sons are an inspiration to us all."

She said: "They were very upset for people that can’t afford food and the recent Government decision not to privide free school meals in the holidays.

"Kelly wanted to do something for her local community and to teach her young sons about community spirit."

Mrs Janes said: "As well as helping others, I think it is important for the boys to realise how lucky we are compared with some."

The family's efforts are all the more commendable because as from the start of lock-down today, Mrs Janes, a self-employed beauty therapist, has lost her own income for at least the next month.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

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