A young boy who refused birthday presents from the age of six so that the money could be donated to hungry children in Africa will this month be given the trip of a lifetime by a Scots charity.

Charlie Doherty, 12, will travel to Malawi to meet children receiving Mary's Meals – a charity he has raised more than £20,000 for through fundraising efforts.

Charlie, from Crawley, West Sussex, said: "I can't wait for the trip, it's going to be amazing and great seeing the message of hope that is passed through Mary's Meals."

Charlie sponsors Ipyana primary school in the northern district of Karonga in Malawi.

Thanks to his support, 1429 children at the school receive a daily meal from Mary's Meals for a whole school year.