A seven-year-old who is collecting bags of toys to send to disadvantaged children in Albania is doing a sponsored swim to help ship them over.

Ever since July, Jessica Marie, of Edgware, has been working to collect toys and clothes and looking for a suitable charity to distribute them after she found out how many children live in poverty.

The Year 3 pupil, who attends St John's School in Stanmore, finally fulfilled her wishes when she was contacted by charity Hope for Albania following an appeal in the Times Series.

Hope for Albania is an organisation that aims to relieve the poverty of disadvantaged families, particularly women and children.

Jessica's mother Tammie said: "Jessica is just so happy that she can help in some way. She is glad that instead of leaving her toys to collect up dust, she can put them to good use by helping those who are less fortunate."

To pay to send the toys abroad, Jessica will do a sponsored 1km swim on Sunday, October 26 at Aspire Swimming Pool, Wood Lane, Stanmore.

The avid swimmer has already raised £100 and hopes to reach her target of at least £250.

To raise awareness, Jessica spoke to worshippers at St Anselms Church in Belmont, calling on the congregation to help collect toys and games and sponsor her in her swim.

Her mother added: "We are immensely proud of our daughter. I cannot believe how sensible she is for her age, it is like she is a grown-up in a child's body. She is awesome."

All donations will be shipped on the 1st of November.

To sponsor Jessica’s swim, e-mail aslater@london.newsquest.co.uk or post it in an envelope at St Anselm’s Church.