TWO young boys have been branded “heroes” after taking measures to turn their hometown into a community hub during the lockdown.

Brothers Ben, 12, and nine-year-old Daniel Hoff, noticed their neighbour Lisa Carter was attempting to improve Totton in a bid to raise money for charity.

It followed Lisa’s approach to “love where you live” to brighten the community and fundraise for Naomi House Children’s Hospice.

The two boys have been helping to widen paths so people can maintain social distancing, and have also cut back bushes, done litter picks, and painted signs.

Daily Echo:

Lisa, who works at retail store Primark, said: “From the moment the boys approached me, they wanted to do good things for the community regarding making the estate look nicer and widen paths for social distancing. When you hear that coming from nine and 12-year-olds, it takes you back.

“I often smile to myself about that first time because Ben wanted to do every walkway and every curb, we would have needed our own green waste council wagon.

"Since then, we have worked to raise funds for Naomi House and the boys have become a Totton treasure. Respectively, they work their socks off each day to make Totton a nicer place.”

Lisa has raised almost £900 for the hospice as part of her goal to reach £1,000, with the help of Ben who explains to passers-by the charity's aim.

Daily Echo:

Naomi’s House provides hospice care to support local children and young adults in Hampshire and other areas.

Lisa added: “The community have loved them and the comments on the Totton Facebook group have been along the lines that the boys are an inspiration and that everyone is incredibly proud of the example they have set.

“I would definitely call them little heroes. It’s never been just about the charity. I too get so much pleasure from all of the new neighbours I’ve met whilst out with the boys.”

To donate to Lisa's fundraising page, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lovewherewelive.