Meet the kind-hearted youngster hoping for a Christmas number one to help the less fortunate this festive season

Daisy Blyth, 10, of Cloister Avenue in Simonside is spreading good cheer with the song she wrote and recorded with her dad two years ago.

“We sat down and wrote it one day when Daisy was eight, and as part of her Christmas present I took her to the studio to record it,” explained dad, Mark Blyth.

The song, entitled ‘Time of the Year’, Mark says is about “people enjoying themselves, celebrating the new year and getting together as a family.”

He added: “With all the doom and gloom that’s going on it’s a little bit of hope.”

This year - after seeing her dad volunteering at the Hospitality and Hope food bank in South Shields - Daisy decided she wanted to use the song to raise money for those who go hungry at Christmas.

“She’s got a heart of gold,” continued Mark.

“The song has just been sitting there, so we thought let’s get others involved and put it to something local that’s going to help people.”

Now pupils at Daisy’s school, Lord Blyton Primary in South Shields will perform the song as part of their Christmas carol concert on Monday, December 9, to raise money for local charities, Hospitality and Hope and Veterans Response.

Staff have also set up a Just Giving and have asked parents for donations instead of gifts.

A spokesperson for the school said: “We are sure everyone will agree that this is a very worthy cause and it is so important to raise awareness of those in need. We know that many people like to show their appreciation to the staff at this time of year so may we suggest in lieu of gifts to us you instead spare whatever you can to this local charity.”

Mark added: “I’m so proud of Daisy and the school, it’s quite overwhelming to see them performing it.

“It’s just a bit of the feel good factor for Christmas - and you never know this time next year it could be number one.”

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