AN EIGHT-year-old girl is collecting donations from her schoolfriends to help Ukrainian refugees escaping the Russian invasion.

Beatrice Smith, a Year 4 student at Wickford Primary School in Market Road, Wickford, has set up a collection of shopping trollies outside the school to collect items to help people fleeing from Ukraine to Romania for safety.

Blankets, sleeping bags, medical supplies, nappies and sanitary items are all being collected from both students, families, and local residents.

Headteacher Lorraine Ramet said the school was proud to support Beatrice’s efforts.

She said: “After listening to the news about the conflict in Ukraine, Beatriceasked her mum how she could help the refugees.

“So Beatrice and her mum found out about local collections and asked our school community to make donations of the essential items the refugees needed.

“Thanks to the power of social media, we were inundated with donations the very next day and these have already been loaded onto a lorry heading for Romania.

“Our school vision is for children to become responsible citizens so I am very proud that Beatrice is already demonstrating these skills.”

She added: “We are continuing to collect donations in shopping trolleys outside school so if anyone in Wickford would like to contribute we would be very appreciative.”

It follows similar schemes across South Essex, including a collection of items for those fleeing into Poland at Southend restaurant Domowe Obiady U Babci, as generous residents seek to help out in any way they.

Tell us about your efforts to help refugees fleeing the Russian invasion by emailing basildon.echonews@newsquest.co.uk