A selfless ten-year-old from Braintree takes time out of her weekends to bring smiles to the faces of care home residents.

Lyons Hall Primary School pupil and Braintree resident Mégane Sykes, ten, spends several hours every second Sunday at Millard House Care Home, Bocking, meeting with residents and helping out around the care home.

Carole Sykes, Mégane's mother, said: "Last year she started singing n the school choir and and her teacher took them to sing at the care home.

"She came home from that and said she'd really like to go in and sing for the residents again, which is how this came about.

"My husband and I are absolutely delighted. We are both teachers and we are always encouraging our students to be part of the community. The fact that it was her idea is amazing.

"She always comes home and says she has enjoyed herself. It can be heart-breaking at times because of the situation, but she takes it in her stride. She knows what she is letting herself in for."

Residents at Millard House, a care home for elderly people, all look forward to seeing the selfless youngster when she visits along with her dad, Christopher.

Mrs Sykes said: "She is a very very caring girl and she is good at putting her head down and working. She is completely selfless.

"A lot of the residents do not get visitors and they love seeing her.

"Next year she starts secondary school but she wants to keep doing it. She has even thought about turning it into a job when she is older.

"There is no stopping her when she gets her mind set on something, she is so driven."

Mégane volunteers through service Fans, who work with care homes across Essex to facilitate volunteering opportunities.

Visit www.fansnetwork.org.