THE true spirit of Christmas is exemplified by an eight-year-old Tilbury girl who has won praise from family and friends and her local community for her efforts to help others.

Dotty Willis has been making and selling Reindeer food in festive packaging in the town - with all proceeds donated to help other children in need in the local area.

"Proud mum Hazel explains: "It all started two years ago when Dotty lost her great grandad Alf, who spent a big part of his life at st John's church Tilbury and was good friends with local priest Father Tim.

"After Alf passed Dotty went to church where Father Tim talked about a local family who he had helped out as they had been struggling with food and clothing and other things.

"When we got home Dotty asked if she could help out families that's needed help with her own money and she decided to try and make her money into more money by making magic reindeer food to sell and then buying food with all the money raised (taking nothing back herself) for the food bank at st John's.

"Last year she raised £100 and this year is she hoping to raise £200 and will be delivering all the food on Christmas eve."