A KIND schoolgirl is giving the gift of sight to children living in one of the poorest countries in the world.

Eight-year-old Neve Smith, who is short sighted, collected around 100 pairs of glasses in response to an appeal made by a local district nurse who was on a mission in Malawi.

She handed her own pairs over to Cath Kerr, who supports an eye clinic in a remote village in the African country.

Neve, from Inverkip, also went round family and friends looking for donations after being inspired by the nurse.

Now thanks to her help youngsters will be able to see more clearly at school and it will dramatically improve their life chances.

Neve, a pupil at Inverkip Primary, said: "I have been wearing glasses since I was three and I had lots of lovely pairs like Moana glasses and Snow White.

"We have been learning about Malawi at school and we are twinned with a school there."

Primary four pupil Neve is committed to help others and sits on the school's charity committee.

This year as well as supporting Malawi she has helped raise money for the Dogs Trust.

Her mum Donna Smith, a project worker at Barnardo's and her dad Dougie, an electrical engineer, helped with the collection.

Donna, 38, of Lairds Dyke, said: "We are very proud of her.

"We would also like to thank all our family and friends for helping out.

"Neve did very well to collect so many pairs."

Neve has two little sisters, Eilidh, in primary one and two-year-old Mila.

Wemyss Bay and Skelmorlie district nurse Cath Kerr has praised Neve for being such a glass act.

Cath, who has worked in the area for 20 years has close links with a village Chowe in eastern Malawi and on her most recent visit she worked at an under-resourced eye clinic.

The 52-year-old, from Skelmorlie, said: "I would really like to thank Neve for all her support.

"Her donations will help children go to school.

"They will also help people who can no longer work because their sight has deteriorated."