Award for boy after charity card in dad's memory

A primary school pupil who raised hundreds of pounds for charity by designing a card inspired by his late father has received a special recognition award.

Leif Emanuel-Francis, nine, from Billericay, Essex, created and sold more than 120 Christmas cards with all profits going to the local RSPCA.

Daren Francis died in August - and Leif said his robin design was inspired by his dad's love of birds.

He was presented with an award from the RSPCA in front of hundreds of pupils at Buttsbury Primary School as a mark of gratitude for his fundraising efforts.

"Unfortunately, my dad passed away in the summer," Leif said.

"He really liked birds and I like animals, so I decided to draw a robin."

He said the design was "quite important to me" and added: "It's nice to have something to remember him by."

Leif's mother, Sam Emanuel, said it was "nice for Leif to use it as an opportunity to honour him [Daren] - as well as raising money for animals which they both loved".

Derrick Yapp, income generation manager for RSPCA Essex Mid and North, invited Leif and Ms Emanuel to the charity's veterinary practice in Great Baddow near Chelmsford to learn more about its work.

He also presented Leif with his certificate during the school assembly.

"Any money we get is going to be spent on local animals at our vet clinics in Chelmsford and Colchester so bringing in £302 was phenomenal," he said.

Leif's head teacher, Ann Robinson, said he was an "inspiration" to his fellow pupils.

"I know that everyone was proud of him today and it was lovely to see," she added.

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