A schoolgirl was so upset after meeting a man living on the street she decided to raise money for a volunteer group which helps the homeless.

Isabel Christian, a Year 6 pupil at Fairview Community Primary School, was on a trip to London with her family when she saw a man, with a dog, sitting in a shop doorway.

The 10-year-old, from Wigmore, went into a nearby shop and bought him a packet of biscuits. Her mum, Marie, said when they went back to their hotel Isabel was inconsolable.

She said: “I was astounded by how much she was affected by meeting the man in London. She cried herself to sleep in the hotel after talking with him.

“Isabel felt like she needed to do something to help. It took us a while to figure out what she was going to do.”

She will be cutting off her long blonde hair next month to raise money for Medway Street Angels.

The group help provide food, basic essentials and support for the homeless in Medway.

Isabel’s hair will be donated to the Little Princess Trust who provide free real hair wigs to children suffering with hair loss.

Isabel said: “I was quite upset when I met that man in London, I didn’t understand why people live like that.

“I recently decided that I wanted to have a Pixie style hair cut which is quite short so my mum suggested that I get sponsored to do it and I immediately wanted to raise money for the homeless.

“Also knowing that my hair is going to make a difference to another child’s life makes me happy. I have lots of support from my friends and family and would really love the support of the public to as I am really nervous about having it cut.”

Marie added: “We’re so proud of her.”

The youngster hopes to raise £500 and so far £115 has already been pledged. Isabel will have her long blonde hair chopped off at Code Red Hair in Military Road, Chatham, on Saturday, February 18, at 11am.