THE homeless community of Dorset will have a better Christmas thanks to an 11-year-old Parkstone boy who raised over £1,000 for charity by selling cakes.

Joshua Ord decided that he wanted to do something to support the Crisis at Christmas charity campaign and grabbed baking tins, mixing bowls and a group of friends to hold a cake sale for the good cause.

After setting himself the target of £300, Josh’s proud mum, Janine, said that the family is ‘gobsmacked’ at the amount of money raised. She added that Josh is so grateful to the community for showing their support.

She added: “The cake sale last Saturday went really well and we had about 50 people come along at various times throughout the day.”

Every £21.62 that Josh was able to raise would ensure that a homeless person could have a haircut, Christmas meal, receive job advice, warm clothes and an overnight stay.

Mrs Ord continued: “Thanks to Santander, who have offered to match-fund some of the money, we will have an extra £700 to add to the final amount, meaning that around 80 people will have a better Christmas.

“Many people that we have never met have donated and everybody has been so generous. Even the teachers at Josh’s school have got involved with donating.”

Josh said that the cake sale was ‘very good’ and wanted to thank his friends including Matthew Forde, and Josh’s little brother, Toby, nine, for their help with making and selling the cakes.

Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis, said: “Josh’s fundraising really is fantastic.

“He’s already raised enough to help almost 50 homeless people in from the cold this Christmas, and it’s great to see just how much thought and care he has put into what he’s doing.

“Crisis at Christmas offers a bed to everyone who needs one, warmth, comfort and three meals a day to guests who would otherwise be left out on the streets.

“The money Josh has raised will help us provide this vital support, as well as setting people up with the chance to have a more positive year ahead.”