MANY have been moved to donate to charity by the dangers soldiers face in Afghanistan.

Laura Hyett, however, was inspired by their four-legged helpers.

The 11-year-old overheard a conversation about Army dogs in Afghanistan needing toys and immediately took action.

The Bicester schoolgirl went straight to her room, designed a poster and then persuaded fellow pupils at Glory Farm School, in Hendon Place, to donate 50p each.

Family were also lobbied, with mum Tracey, dad Daryl, and siblings Ryan, 18, Ellese, 12, and Matthew, nine, all encouraged to dig deep.

She raised almost £70 then hit the shops to buy more than 100 dog toys, which will be sent to dogs serving in Afghanistan.

They carry out tasks including base patrols, vehicle searches and frontline patrols where they sniff out weapons, ammunition and explosives.

Mrs Hyett, of Primrose Drive, said: “She’s mad about animals – we have three dogs.

“I read about an appeal by a dog handler in Afghanistan for toys and treats for dogs out there.

“I said I didn’t realise there were that many dogs in Afghanistan – she asked what it was about, and then asked if she could send them something.

“I said ‘yes’, then she said ‘I’ve got an idea’ and disappeared to her room. She came back later with leaflets she had made.”

Winners, in Victoria Road, and Pets at Home, off Launton Road, gave them a discount when mum and daughter explained who they were buying the toys for.

Mrs Hyett, 43, added: “We are very proud of her.”

Laura said: “I was thinking that they might get injured doing a job for us, risking their lives so we can live safely, and I thought it would be nice to reward them for the work that they do.

“One day I wish I could meet one the bomb sniffer dogs.”

An MoD spokesman said: “This is a lovely gesture.”

bicester@oxfordmail.co.uk For more details about charities which support the forces, go to mod.uk