Main content

Nine-year-old throws party for redundant steelworkers

After 2200 people lost their jobs when the SSI steelworks in Redcar closed in October, nine-year-old Ben Hebden decided he wanted to help.

"I saw on TV it was shutting down and Christmas wasn't going to be great," Ben told 5 live. He decided to throw a Christmas party for the steelworkers and their families. "I just tried to cheer them up, and I think it's really succeeded," he said.

He set up a campaign in Redcar to raise money for the party and £800 was donated. Ben said lots of his friends at school had parents who had lost their jobs.

His mum Ruth says she's "very proud" of what Ben and his party committee have achieved.

This clip is originally from 5 live Drive on Wednesday 16 December 2015.

Release date:

Duration:

1 minute

This clip is from