A SCHOOLGIRL who raised money for a charity caring for the homeless has been recognised in Westminster.

Sofia Hill collected more than £450 for Edinburgh-based Steps to Hope by selling reindeer food ahead of Christmas.

The youngster, aged six and who lives in the Windygoul area of Tranent, then visited St Cuthbert’s Church in Edinburgh with mum Lynsey to hand over the money to the charity.

Steps to Hope is a non-profit charity dedicated to caring for the homeless and those suffering with addiction.

The Windygoul Primary School pupil’s efforts have now been highlighted by Kenny MacAskill, MP for East Lothian.

He lodged an early day motion in Parliament which said: “That this House applauds the determination and kindness of Sofia Hill from Tranent who has raised hundreds of pounds for Steps to Hope, a charity supporting the homeless; notes that Sofia sold reindeer food which she made herself, and successfully raised over £450; and echoes the comments of Richard Roncero, founder of Steps for Hope, who remarked that Sofia worked really hard and raised a lot of money and it will go towards things like housing and getting people rehabilitated.”