Meet the proud young boy doing what he can for the Australian wildfires

Australia is being ravaged by the worst wildfires seen in decades, and ten-year-old Dylan Valentine wants to do what he can to help.

He is helping his mum Nicky to make koala bear pin badges to raise funds for the Australian firefighters and the Koala hospital in Macquarie.

Dylan Valentine has made koala badges to raise funds

Dad Brian told the Leader: "We had friends over from Australia and they were on about the fires because they live in Brisbane and have seen the impact.

"The koalas and wildlife are suffering and the firefighters are putting themselves at risk. Lives have been lost.

"His mum runs an embroidery business and she was given a koala template so she decided to make a few.

"Dylan then got it into his head to take them to school and loads of kids decided they were going to buy them.

"He's been going around selling these pins to raise money for Australia. It's a nice idea he came up with."

Mr Valentine said his school has gotten on board and has allowed Dylan to sell his badges.

So far he has raised £96 and has had over 90 orders come in overnight.

Mr Valentine added: "He's quite a resourceful little boy, we are really proud of him.

"It's gone bonkers. Loose Ladies will be broadcasting it on their show in Australia and the response has been fantastic.

"He wanted to do something to help after seeing what was going on.

"The plan was to raise around £100 but he's done that just from the school so we will keep going.

"He's absolutely wired with it, he's really proud and he knows what he's doing is for a good cause.

"We are really proud of him as well, we want everyone to know what he's doing. It's quite a lot for a ten-year-old. He loves doing it."

Anyone wishing to order a badge can contact Mum Nicky Valentine on Facebook or via her business Facebook Page: The Monkey Lady at Valentines Occasions.