MOST ELEVEN year olds see their birthday money as a way to buy toys, clothes, sweets and video games.

For Alex King, of Cowes, it's a way to give to those less fortunate by donating goods to the Isle of Wight Foodbank.

Alex and his mum, Lucie, were waiting to get collected from Aldi on Monday when Alex turned and said: "I want to get some bits for the Foodbank."

"He's always been kind and caring," said Lucie. "We went to Ryde Carnival on his birthday night and he bought chips for everyone and a gift for his friend.

"If there's four sweets and there's five people, he'll make sure he's the one to go without."

Lucie said Alex helps out whenever he can around the house and always looks after his four younger siblings, especially his brother who has additional needs.

"Other than that, though, he is a typical 11-year-old boy. He loves his Xbox and loves playing with Lego."

The Lanesend Primary School student lives just behind the IW Foodbank and has always asked what it does and how it helps.

Lucie said: "He really gets the need for it. He's definitely got his head switched on."

The IW Foodbank posted on Facebook: "We'd like to extend a huge thank you to this young man, who used some of his own birthday money to buy food for the bank.

"How wonderful it is to see such kindness from our local young people. You're a superstar — thank you."

As a thank you, Ryde resident Linda Bassett, who runs an Isle of Wight community Facebook page, has offered Alex a £15 voucher to a shop of his choice.

Alex had seen Lego he liked in Asda, so Lucie suggested a voucher from the Newport store. Asda have matched Linda's donation, so Alex will be receiving £30 to spend as he pleases.

Linda said: "This little boy is giving up his birthday money for others. I think that's just so lovely that the kid should have a thank you."