A youth worker has praised the compassion shown by a group of youngsters who, unprompted, bought food for and chatted to a homeless man they came across after a trip to Blackpool.

The trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach had been a reward for the group of 11 to 17-year-olds after they each gave up 15 hours of their time carrying out work at the Sea Terminal and the surrounding area.

Emma Macauley, area youth worker, explained that the group came across the homeless man when they stopped off at a supermarket before getting the boat back to the island from Liverpool at the end of the trip.

’Whilst in the shop all the kids, without prompt bought something for him so he had a good meal for his tea (sandwiches, cakes, crisps etc) and then collected some money between themselves (must have been about £15).

’Then not only did they go up and give it to him, they all stood with him for a good 15 minutes asking him questions about his life and his situation.’

Emma said: ’It was probably one of the most humbling things I have ever seen in my time as a youth worker.

’I was so proud of them, a true display of pro-social behaviour and compassion.