A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD from Southampton who feeds 20 to 40 homeless people every Sunday was given a Christmas surprise from a theatre.

Elle Holdaway has been providing those living on the city’s streets with bread rolls, chocolate, tomatoes, cookies, cakes and brioches, alongside her mother Lisa every Sunday since her 7th birthday.

Now, she has been given a free trip to see Peter Pan in the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton.

Elle is a huge dance, music and theatre fan herself - so this is a dream come true according to her mum, Lisa.

Lisa said: "It was fantastic - absolutely amazing.

"It was incredible and Elle was so happy, I have never seen a little girl so happy - she was amazed by it all.

"And afterwards, we started to give socks and pants to the homeless so it was a really good day."

Elle and Lisa were on Radio Solent on Christmas Day to share her story and a listener really connected with Elle's work - they got in touch with Mayflower Theatre and began the process.

The Chief Executive of Mayflower Theatre, Michael Ockwell was touched by Elle's work and wanted to reward her with a special trip to Peter Pan.

Mr Ockwell said: "When I heard about her, I thought, my goodness - what an amazing young girl.

"I was really happy to find out that Elle was into theatre performances and I wanted to show a nice gesture.

"It is a thank you to her on behalf on all of those that can't. It was a really lovely thing to do on Christmas as well to go into the studio on Christmas Day."

Lisa added: "I couldn't thank them enough - for someone to be listening and want to do something nice for her is great.

"It is just the most amazing Christmas present given."

Lisa and Elle are going to continue to help the homeless in any way they can throughout 2020.

If you want to follow Elle's journey, visit https://www.instagram.com/ellesangellittlestar/