A schoolboy in Oldham has started his own business with a mission to help his local community by offering shop runs for the vulnerable.

Shay Scholes, from Limeside, kickstarted his small business, 'The Essentials Kid', just two weeks ago with a view to support his neighbours who can't get to the shops.

His vision is to help those who struggle to get out, such as elderly people, parents with children or anyone who "may be poorly or not feeling well" and who needs an "extra pair of hands" in trying times.

The 10-year-old even saved up for his own scooter to bring his idea to life and for just a small delivery fee, he has been scooting to Spar, Tangs Chippy, Asda, Elms Local, Hollins News and Relish takeaway at his neighbours' request.

Each order comes with a £2 delivery charge while a supermarket collection at Asda costs £3.

However, determined to help as many people as possible, the youngster felt it was important to waive the fee entirely for "OAPs" and people with mobility issues.

Reflecting on his business venture, Shay said: "From a very young age, I have always been interested in working and helping others.

"I am friendly and reliable and very trustworthy.

"I am here to help everybody."

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to The Oldham Times’ morning and evening newsletters as well as our breaking news alerts 

His mum, Abbi Swindells, said her "10 going on 20-year-old" son is a keen entrepreneur and came up with the idea entirely by himself after running regular shop runs for his family.

She added: "Anyone who knows him knows how grown up and helpful he is.

"He's really into football, he's football crazy, so he just wants to make a bit of money to join another team and do two lots of football.

"He just wondered how he could make a bit of extra money and just came up with this idea on his own and I said 'that's brilliant'."

The Oldham AFC player stated from the get-go that he wanted to try and support the vulnerable where he can with his business.

"He just feels sorry for everybody all the time and he just wants to help.

"He's happy to help - but not a lot of elderly people are on Facebook", Abbi added.

Still, since launching his Facebook page, The Essentials Kid has gone viral in Limeside with more than 150 shares and comments flooding in from residents praising the young boy.

Abbi said the family have been amazed by the outpouring of support - and he was even recognised on his first job by a woman who asked if he was the Essentials Kid.

The mum-of-two continued: "He's just made up.

"I'm honestly so proud of him and seeing people that I don't even know, that we've never met, saying all the things they were saying - stuff about the 'boy's family must be so proud'.

"I'm 12 weeks pregnant and I've just been an emotional wreck over it."

Deliveries can be booked via The Essentials Kid Facebook page, Whatsapp or text message between the hours 3.30pm to 8.30pm on Monday to Friday and 9am until 8.30pm on weekends.

Shay said bookings must include the address and the list of essential items which can range from snacks and toiletries to gas and electric top-ups.

For obvious reasons, the youngster can't collect items over an age limit and he can pick up only what he can carry and ferry across on his scooter.

However, Shay said he takes requests for specific shops and aims to deliver within 15 minutes once the order has been accepted.

He is also tracked for his own safety but Abbi said she is proud of her young entrepreneur for bringing something nice to Limeside.

"I know he's going to go far in life.

"He says it all the time, 'mum, I'm going to make it, me', and he's said that from a young age.

"I say I know you will, you'll do well, you just keep thinking and dreaming and going for it.

"I'm just dead proud of him.

"He's 10 and coming up with business ideas and actually getting jobs from it as well.

"It's really nice."