The latest must-have toy would be top of the list for most youngsters with cash to burn.

But not for little Emily and Tom Bartlett, who turned down a Nintendo DS for Christmas and decided to donate all their pocket money to help homeless dogs instead.

Mum Trudy, from Maugersbury, near Stow-on-the-Wold, was surprised when the pair decided they wanted to give away the £75 they had carefully saved in their money boxes throughout last year.

She said: "I asked them what they were going to do with it and suggested a Nintendo DS or a Wii game.

"I also said about giving some to charity. I thought they would give £5, but between themselves they came up with the idea of giving it all to the Dogs Trust. I'm quite shocked and very proud."

Thanks to the generous efforts of the duo, the 120 canine residents at trust in Wickhamford, near Evesham, got a donation of 11 bags of food as a new year present.

Trudy added: "They were very pleased with what we gave them. We looked around and went and visited a dog called Skippy which is sponsored by the children's gran."

Dog lovers Emily, six, and Tom, four, have plenty of canine friends of their own – with nine family Jack Russells that are shown in the summer.

It looks like another worthy cause will benefit from the children's efforts next year.

Trudy said: "They have already started collecting and are planning on doing the same for a charity of their choice again this year.

"They pick up loose change off the kitchen table. It's kind of their pocket money. We leave change there for them to put in their money boxes."

Shauna Stedman, supporter relations officer at Dogs Trust Evesham, said: "It's very heartwarming. At this time of year we're having a bit of a tough call trying to rehome the dogs – especially at Christmas time where we do urge people not to buy dogs as presents.

"These two children actually thinking about the Dogs Trust themselves brings a tear to the eye. We have no Government funding and rely purely on public support."

People who would like to give money, food, blankets and toys can drop into the centre or go to www.dogstrust.org.uk.

OPINION, P8