A YOUNG girl with cerebral palsy has given back to people in need this Christmas by donating food presents to the homeless.

Willow McClarence even teamed up with Top Gear presenter Paddy McGuinness to help with the Bolton Homeless Aid UK push.

The nine-year-old has had an eating disorder over the past year, where she has struggled to eat causing her to lose weight.

But recently, with the support of her school, Guardian Angels Primary in Bury, and her family, she has managed to gain weight.

Due to all the help she has received, Willow wanted to help the homeless have full stomachs this Christmas as she knows the feeling of hunger, due to her complex health needs associated with her disability.

Her school also wanted to celebrate Willow’s success of gaining weight by donating a huge amount of food, which was made into hampers for the homeless.

Zoe Totten, Willow's mother and her friend Chelsea Clayton decided to help Willow's efforts by buying toiletries alongside food for the homeless which they handed out as hampers.

Zoe said: “The homeless were so grateful. Shaun, one gentleman, cried after receiving presents saying this is what Christmas is about. Not what children receive but helping to bring a smile to others.

“He was so right. So I hope the families in our community and at Guardian Angels remember to smile this Christmas and cherish our time together and be understanding and considerate for what they have and smile knowing they helped bring a smile to so many homeless this Christmas.

"I would also like to thank Chelsea for helping us hand out the presents."

While volunteering with her younger sister Rosie Wright, her mum Zoe Totten and family friend Chelsea Clayton near Bolton Market, Homeless Aid UK were also dishing out more than 100 hot and cold meals to the homeless with Bolton-born TV star Paddy, who thanked Willow for her efforts.

Zoe said Paddy was 'inspiring; and added: "We weren’t expecting to meet Paddy, we had no idea he was there.

“It was a lovely moment to meet such a genuine and compassionate guy, who cares for his local community just like my children.

“He took the time to listen about Willow’s disability and struggle to gain weight.

"He congratulated her for doing so well putting weight on and for us, as a family, gifting to the homeless, teaching the children what Christmas truly is about."