Meet the 12-year-old schoolgirl who's opened her own shop

At 12 years old lots of youngsters are focused on getting through school, spending time with friends, and keeping on top of the latest crazes.

But Chloe Simmonds has added shopkeeping to that list too!

For the last four months the Tredegar schoolgirl has spent every free moment painting, hanging up shelves, sorting and ironing the donated stock for her very own not-for-profit shop.

She's been planning her own charity for the last four years and is determined to make a difference in her hometown.

The borough Chloe works in sits at the top of the Welsh index of Multiple Deprivation. Credit: Media Wales

Now with the help of the whole family, grandmothers included, Chloe's idea is finally up and running. Her shop offers everything from suits and school uniforms to birthday presents and toilet roll.

Chloe's mother, Helen Simmonds, said:

"When she was about seven Chloe was in school and her teacher, Mrs Middle, inspired her to do so much".

"She told Chloe about the homeless people in Cardiff and she wanted to help".

Chloe volunteers in her local foodbank too. Her mother said: "I told her about the local foodbank and we took her across to look and do some volunteering. From there she said she wanted pocket money every week to give food to the foodbank".

"When her birthday came around she didn't want cards and presents and said if people wanted to come to her party then they should bring food for the foodbank".

Chloe sorts her stock with the help of her friends and family.

From there the 12-year-old only became more inspired.

Chloe's shop lends out suits and prom dresses for those that cannot afford their own. It also offers a free printing service for CVs and jobs applications.

Through schools, food banks, and other groups, people can get referred to the shop where the volunteers will make up a box for their needs. This can include second-hand school uniforms, birthday presents, or toiletry boxes with all the essentials.

Chloe's mother Helen said her daughter is "quite humble about it all – she doesn't like the attention. She doesn't think what she does is that special".

Chloe, a pupil at Tredegar Comprehensive, said: "I noticed how many people were in need and how many were struggling and I just thought that I could help.

"In a few years, if it's working well, we are thinking about opening another one".