BIG-HEARTED Max Schofield from Newton Abbot knew exactly how to lift his lovelorn mum’s flagging spirits on Valentine’s Day.

The young charmer, aged just four, reduced mum Emma to tears of happiness as he gave her a joyous February 14 she will never forget.

Max, aware of his mum’s sadness at her recent split with her husband and the bitter-sweet thoughts that might trouble her on the most romantic day in the calendar, stepped up to the mark and helped her kiss the blues away.

She had been dreading last Sunday - but instead it is now a day of love and affection she will keep with her always - thanks to Max.

The thoughtful infant was on a grocery shopping trip with Emma on Saturday when he asked to her to close her eyes so he could buy her a surprise Valentine’s card and tiny teddy bear.

Emma, who lives in Aller Park and is a secretary at an independent primary school, did not keep her side of the bargain by sneaking a glimpse of what Max was up to. Her partially closed peepers soon filled with tears at the little chap’s gesture.

And his charm offensive didn’t end there. The card was just the start. Twenty four hours later Max was taking mum out for a slap-up meal, all paid for with a jar of pennies he had been setting aside.

And when he went to pick up the bill - with said jar in hand - staff at Pizza Express, Torquay, were reduced to ‘blubbering messes.’

They simply melted away at the dear boy’s innocent desire to please.

So much so that they told him to keep his meagre riches for another day. They paid for the three-course special themselves.

An overwhelmed Emma said after the emotional onslaught: ‘It left me crying with happiness - and holding on to my son with pure joy!’

She added: ‘We can always be a bit self-critical at times, so it’s quite reassuring that I might be doing OK on my own with Max.

‘He’s been an absolute star – and even been on TV! He is a very clever little boy. I am very proud of him.’