THE old saying that kindness breeds kindness was proven to be true thanks to the selfless actions of a six-year-old boy.

Billy Bowden, from Ulverston, recently visited St Mary's Hospice to donate all his savings to the south Cumbrian charity.

Billy made this donation as a way of repaying the kindness of a family friend. After his Nintendo 3DS unfortunately made its way into the toilet, family friend Rob Caine came to the rescue, donating his own console to the distraught Billy.

Refusing to take any money, Mr Caine instead asked that Billy make a donation to St Mary's, who had cared for his mother Karen Caine towards the end of her life.

Kate Marshall, Billy's mum, said: "Billy and I visited the hospice to bring £40 of his savings, nearly everything in his piggy bank, as a contribution to such a vital service for this area. As part of this process I explained to Billy what the hospice does as I think it's important that all members of the community are aware of this great cause."

Billy's generous donation will cover the fuel costs of 27 home visits by hospice staff.