TWO selfless nine year-olds have chosen to go without birthday presents this year to raise money for terminally ill children.

Holly Gill and Gemma Humphreys told classmates at Woodford Green Primary School to make a donation to Haven House Children's Hospice rather than buy them gifts at their joint birthday party.

The friends decided to make the unusual sacrifice in order to help the charity care for children the same age with terminal illnesses and their families.

Holly's mum Amanda Finch, of Beechwood Drive Woodford Green, said she and Gemma's mother Sharon Simmonds were extremely proud of their daughters' gesture - which raised £130 for the charity.

She said: "It was a lovely thing to do.

"The girls had a great sports party at St Aubyn's School and they are both delighted to have donated the money.

"They chose the hospice because it's a local charity and supports children their own age."

Sarah Spackman, of Haven House, said she was deeply touched by the girls gift.

She said: "What the girls have done is really inspirational and so deeply touching.

"We are delighted that they have decided to support the work of the hospice in this way.

"They have set an wonderful example to others."