A KIND-HEARTED six-year-old put his creative talent to good use and raised more than £600 for the NHS.

Budding artist Oakley Commins drew pictures for the public in exchange for donations to his fundraising kitty.

Requests came flooding in, ranging from animals and cars to aeroplanes and rainbows, and the Gosbecks Primary School pupil finished with a grand total of £621.

A cheque has been sent to the Colchester and Ipswich Hospital Charity.

Proud dad Rhys said: "It's been a fantastic effort on Oakley's part.

"He's worked so hard in the last couple of months and must have produced over 50 drawings.

"Myself and my wife are so proud because he's such a kind-hearted boy and a talented artist, for a six-year-old.

"He's got strong morals and wanted to do something to help during the pandemic, being inspired by people like Sir Tom Moore.

"It was very innocent and when he first suggested the idea I thought he might get a couple of donations, from people like grandparents and aunties.

"But it snowballed and soon there were lots of requests coming in, for rainbows and animals but also slightly more obscure ones like the Chelsea Football Club badge.

"Organisations donated sums like £30, £40 and £50 and we even had one of £122.80 from our local football club, Reed Hall Sentinels under-18s.

"People have been very kind but we never expected to raise this much."

Oakley, who lives in Iceni Way, Shrub End, and has a three-year-old brother called Louie, has received plenty of support and encouragement along the way, including video messages from darts legend Bobby George, former Ipswich Town footballer Matt Holland and ex-Colchester United star Pat Baldwin.

"Although we couldn't hand over the cheque, the hospital has received it and sent a certificate of congratulations," added Mr Commins.

"Oakley understands and was delighted to raise so much.

"He's very grateful to his friends and family, as well as the organisations that donated."

"And as a treat and to reward him for his hard work, the Colchester Anti-Loo Roll Brigade (a Facebook group set up in March to help those in need during the Covid-19 pandemic) is arranging for him to spend time with the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police."