A MINEHEAD schoolboy was so moved by the plight of thousands of refugee children fleeing their homes he came up with his own action plan to help them.

Alexander Winzer has set up Kits by Kids, an initiative to fill at least 100 gym bags with crayons, colouring books and cuddly toys, as well as some basic essentials such as toothpaste and toothbrushes, a warm hat and a rain poncho.

The 12-year-old from Bossington has even launched a special website to promote the scheme and an appeal for people to donate either money or items for the bags.

“My mum showed me photos of the refugee children and I am appalled to see them in that state,” said Alexander, who is a pupil at Minehead Middle.

“I would really like to help them through their toughest times – that’s why I came up with the idea of Kits by Kids.”

And Alexander said he also wants each bag to include a note so the children know people are thinking about them.

The finished bags will be distributed through a range of established charities, while Alexander and his family may even deliver those bound for teenagers in Calais themselves while en route for Germany over the half term break.

Alexander’s mum Elke Winzer said she was extremely proud of her son’s compassion and desire to make a difference.

“He set up the website all on his own, which he will update regularly to keep people informed,” she said.

“He has also set up a Twitter account and designed all the artwork.”

Elke said she was particularly keen to help older children stuck in refugee camps in northern France.

“Many of them are the same age as my sons – they have travelled on their own across a whole continent, sent off by their parents to escape from war.

“They have forgotten what it is like to be a child.”

Alexander’s younger brother Nicholas, who is a pupil at Brymore School at Cannington, has also helped out by posting a video on YouTube about the appeal.

The family intend to contact schools across the district in a bid to get more people involved.

At least £120 has been donated so far and anyone wanting to give money or items for the bags can find out more at www.kitsbykids.com.