A kind-hearted schoolboy used the money he earned from doing odd jobs for friends and family to buy Christmas presents for disabled children.

James Taylor, 12, spent £20 on 24 colouring books he purchased from the internet.

He then presented them to eight children, aged between three and five who have severe and complex learning difficulties, at Honey Bees nursery, based at Meadowfield School, Swanstree Avenue, Sittingbourne.

Teacher Angela Howe said: “He couldn’t make the party we were having on Tuesday so he came in with a teacher on Thursday. He had wrapped up three books per child.

“I said to him his mum and dad must be very proud of him. We’re extremely proud of him; that there’s someone as young as him doing what he’s doing.

“He’s a real asset to the community. He deserves to be recognised for what he has done and used as an example to others.”

It is the third year the Year 8 Sittingbourne Community College student, who suffers from ADHD and autism himself, has carried out a selfless act for good causes.

Last year he spent the money he had been saving for a computer game on buying drawing equipment for 17 youngsters at the same nursery.

And in 2011 he launched Treats for Troops and asked people to donate shoe boxes filled with gifts to send to soldiers.

He did this because at the time his uncle, Damian Phillips,was serving in Afghanistan.

Mum Amanda, who also has a four-year-old daughter Lyla, says she is “very proud” of her son.

The 32-year-old, of Abbeyview Drive, Minster, said: “He said to me it was so heartwarming to see the children so happy at getting a present from someone that he decided to do it again this year. It makes me very proud of him.

“He’s not spoilt but his dad [Carl] and I do like to give him as much as we can but we always remind him there are others less fortunate than him so he says he wants to do it. It makes him feel good.”

Fiona Trigwell, acting head of school at SCC, said: “We are very proud of James and his actions. He’s a very helpful young man and a valued student.”