LARGE parts of Australia have been devastated by the worst wildfires the country has seen in decades.

According to the latest estimates at least 26 people have died, up to one billion animals have been killed and more than 2,000 homes destroyed.

Seven million hectares of bushland are thought to have been incinerated since the blazes began last year.

Some of the most heartbreaking images emerging from Australia show koalas and other creatures which have been killed or badly burned by the massive fires.

Now a six-year-old Hampshire boy is raising funds for an animal charity which is trying to cope with the crisis.

Oliver Kerrigan-Harris, of Marchwood, is making bookmarks which are being sold for £2 in aid of one of Australia's koala sanctuaries.

Oliver said: "I made one for myself and one for my friend, Felix Marchant. Then we decided we could sell them and raise money for the koalas."

His mother Sue added: "Oliver wanted to help the animals in Australia. We'd been making bookmarks for fun and he came up with the idea of selling some to raise funds."

Other Marchwood mums and their children volunteered to take part, visiting Oliver's home in the evening and making up to 50 bookmarks at a time.

Sue said: "I'm very proud of Oliver for thinking about the animals in Australia and for wanting to do something to help.

"He's such a kind-hearted boy and always has a smile on his face.

"The project to make 'a few' bookmarks has turned into a fundraising effort by the Marchwood community. People have been making bookmarks with us and also in their own homes.

"Others have donated beads including Oliver's grandad, Tegwyn Harris, who has sent large packets in the post from Exeter.

"People have been making donations as well as buying the bookmarks. So far we've raised about £600, which will be donated to one of the koala sanctuaries."

Supporters have taken to social media to raise awareness of the project. One person posted: "An amazing production line and in SUCH a good cause."