After he was saddened by the plight of homeless people, an eight year-old boy has been tirelessly fundraising for a West Cumbrian homeless hostel.

Alfie Goodwin, of Whitehaven, has been selling wristbands to raise money for Egremont's Calderwood House, which provides accommodation and support to local homeless people.

He was on a family trip to Manchester when he noticed the number of people living on the streets and wanted to help out.

His dad, Marc, suggested he got in touch with Calderwood House.

"When I went to Manchester it made me sad to see the homeless people," said Alfie. "I wanted to give them all something but there was too many.

"My dad said he knew someone in Whitehaven who helped homeless people and I asked if I could help them.

"I asked my headteacher if my school can help out as well and he is going to see what they can do."

The hostel's founder Rachel Holliday said: "When I took the call I felt so touched that a young eight year-old cared so much about our homeless he wanted to do something about it.

"I met up with Alfie and was so moved by his genuine concern for others and his determination to do something about it.

"I suggested he could take some of our wristbands and sell them to his friends and family. The money raised would pay for food for our residents.

"I gave him 11 to see how he got on and I thought I would catch up with Alfie and his dad the next week.

"Later that day I received another call saying he had sold them all and asked me for some more. Alfie is definitely a community champion in the making."

Alfie's fundraising will help the hostel, which is a social enterprise, as it helps its residents get back on their feet.

Dad Marc said: "Homelessness in West Cumbria isn't as obvious as on the streets of a big city but it's still a big problem.

"The fact that a child sees this as wrong and wants to do something to help highlights why it is fundamentally important to look out for those who, for whatever reason, are in a less fortunate position than ourselves.

"I'm very proud of Alfie and hope he can help raise lots for Calderwood House so the homeless where we live have somewhere safe to go."

To donate to Calderwood House, visit www.calderwoodhouse.co.uk