CHILDREN from needy families will get a seasonal chocolate treat — after a kind-hearted school pupil hatched a plan for an Easter-egg giveaway.

Gourock girl Hannah Gorman, nine, used her pennies to buy 108 eggs from Greenock Tesco to help make Easter special for families who are living in crisis.

Hannah was inspired after visiting Inverclyde Foodbank along with Moorfoot Primary School and learning about its work.

Staff at the local supermarket were so impressed with her generosity that they then launched ‘Hannah’s Easter Egg Appeal’ so customers could follow her example.

Steven O’Neill, foodbank manager, said: “We were incredibly moved by Hannah’s generosity and her heart for helping other boys and girls at Easter time.

“As news of Hannah’s generosity has spread, other groups and organisations within the area have also began to collect for the appeal.

“More than 400 Easter eggs have been donated so far and we are looking forward to finding homes for each and every one of them and helping families to enjoy Easter together.” A whole host of local schools have made donations, along with individuals and organisations like River Clyde Homes, The Hungry Hut and Weightwatchers.

Hannah, her sister Lucy, 12, and mum Emma attended a special service at Greenock Elim Church last Sunday where she was honoured with a standing ovation for her kindness.

Minister Fraser Donaldson said: “We were thrilled when hearing about Hannah’s amazing initiative and we wanted to recognise her as the special individual that she is.

“She truly is an inspiration and her heart of selfless generosity is an example to us all.” She was presented with vouchers donated by Funworld as well as cinema vouchers and book tokens.

The Easter eggs will be given to needy families this week and Hannah will assist the foodbank team in distributing them to referred clients. Her mum Emma, of Kirn Drive, said: “The school trip to the Foodbank hit her hard — she couldn’t believe how many people in Inverclyde went without food. She told me that she specifically wanted to help other children. Hannah thanks the church for their gifts — I’m immensely proud of her.”