A 13-year-old has generously saved up her pocket money so she could give it to the Mayor of Redbridge’s appeal.

Filza Nayab Raja, of Henley Road, Ilford, presented a cheque for £100 to the Mayor Cllr Muhammed Javed at the Ilford Islamic Community Centre in Albert Road.

Her donation will benefit the Mayor’s two chosen causes – Redbridge Carers Support Service and Redbridge Mencap.

And Filza’s grandfather Mirza Khan Raja, 74, was moved to nominate her for the Recorder/Redbridge Rotary Club Young Citizen Award, sponsored by the Exchange Ilford shopping centre.

Filza, a pupil at Loxford School of Science and Technology, Loxford Lane, Ilford, said: “When my mum and dad give me pocket money, I normally spend it on other stuff, like sweets and games, things I don’t need.

“My grandad is good friends with the mayor.

“I heard about the charities, I heard about people that need help – people less fortunate than us – and that’s what inspired me.”

Redbridge Carers Support Service provides advice, training and counselling to carers of all ages in the borough, while Redbridge Mencap supports people with learning disabilities.

Filza normally gets about £5 from her parents every two weeks and saved up £70, making up the difference with donations from family and friends.

She presented the cheque at a fundraising dinner last month.

The mayor said: “It’s a lesson for other youngsters to do likewise.

“It’s great to recognise her generosity.”