Generous junior school children hand over an average of almost £2 a month of their pocket money to charity, poll finds

Generous junior school children hand over an average of almost £2 a month of their pocket money to charity, according to research ahead of Red Nose Day on Friday.

Youngsters aged between nine and eleven support good causes to the tune of £19.6m a year, favouring charities helping children and animals.

Sixteen to eighteen-year-olds give an average of £5.73 a month, with medical charities the most popular cause in this age group.

The extent of donations by children was revealed by a ComRes poll for the Charities Aid Foundation.

John Low, its chief executive, said: “This shows children have a natural desire to help others. It's fantastic they are so keen to support the causes we all care about.”

The organisation is launching an inquiry, to be chaired by the former Home Secretary, David Blunkett, into helping youngsters to become involved in charitable causes.

Mr Blunkett said: “Young people are crying out for advice and a framework by which they can be aided to help others, either in fundraising or in giving their time.”