Instead of blowing out candles and unwrapping presents for her birthday, a selfless nine-year-old girl decided to hand over thousands of pounds to a special needs school.

Hanna Johal visited Oak View School, Loughton, today, to give £7,000 and six iPads to pupils with Autism.

The Chigwell School student asked if this year, friends and family would donate money to the school, rather than buying her a present as she wanted to do something to help.

Hanna, who lives in De Vere Gardens, Ilford, also set up a stall during school breaks to raise money and awareness about the condition which her brother Aaron, 12, suffers from.

Mr Jag Johal, 40, said that he was overwhelmed not only by his daughter’s kindness, but the amount donated by others.

He said: “Hanna’s selfless act is a touching reminder of just how much we could learn from our own kids about supporting those in need, and we’re massively grateful to the dozens of people who have donated very generously.

“For many adults using iPads is a chore but for kids like Aaron, they can be crucial in helping speed up learning and enhance communication. He’s lucky to go to a school like Oakview and the staff do an amazing job helping young people develop.”

Experts believe that tools such as iPads and tablets can help children with learning difficulties to develop, giving them a way to express themselves through words and images with ease.

Pupils at Oak View School, Whitehills Road will also benefit from a climbing frame which the money will be spent on.