Boy, 4, takes recently-divorced mum out on date with jar of pennies
Max took Emma out for dinner with his jar of pennies but Pizze Express waived the cost (Picture: APEX)
A four-year-old boy has won some serious son points by taking his recently-divorced mum out for dinner with his jar of pennies.
Emma Schofield said Max reduced staff to tears when he offered to pay for the meal on Sunday in Pizza Express, Torquay, Devon.
They were so touched by his gesture they waived the cost.
Emma said: ‘All of the shops make such a big thing about Valentine’s Day and I was secretly dreading it as I am recently divorced with a beautiful little four-year-old boy.

Emma Schofield, 32, and her son Max Schofield, 4, from Newton Abbot, at Pizza Express on Valentine's Day. A divorced mum has told how she was moved to tears when her four-year-old son cheered her up on Valentine's Day - by taking her out for dinner. See SWNS story SWLOVE. Secretary Emma Schofield, 32, said she was "absolutely dreading" February 14, having recently separated from her husband of six and a half years. But instead of letting his mum feel lonely on the romantic day, her little boy, Max, decided to take her mind off things with a series of adorable surprises. First of all, the thoughtful youngster slipped a soppy card into Emma's shopping basket as they traipsed around a supermarket - along with a Valentine's teddy bear in a gift bag. Then on Sunday, he asked her if he could treat her to a special meal - which he offered to pay for with a jar of pennies he has been saving up for months. When the waitresses at the restaurant, Pizza Express in Torquay, Devon, realised what was going on, they gave Emma and Max the meal for free.
Emma and Max enjoying their date at Pizza Express (Picture: SWNS)
‘I have always brought my son up to be thoughtful, kind, caring and appreciate even the smallest gestures.
‘After a quick grocery shop, my son told me to close my eyes (which I kept partially open to see what he was up to) and he proceeded to chose me a Valentine’s card and a small teddy bear in a gift bag. My eyes welled up as we continued to shop.’
She continued: ‘He took me to Pizza Express (of course I was the designated chauffer) and wanted to treat me to a special meal. He also brought his jar of pennies with him. After a delicious 3 course meal, we went to pay.
‘We were greeted with a waitress in tears who had watched our special dinner date.

Emma Schofield, 32, and her son Max Schofield, 4, from Newton Abbot, at the beach in Torbay. A divorced mum has told how she was moved to tears when her four-year-old son cheered her up on Valentine's Day - by taking her out for dinner. See SWNS story SWLOVE. Secretary Emma Schofield, 32, said she was "absolutely dreading" February 14, having recently separated from her husband of six and a half years. But instead of letting his mum feel lonely on the romantic day, her little boy, Max, decided to take her mind off things with a series of adorable surprises. First of all, the thoughtful youngster slipped a soppy card into Emma's shopping basket as they traipsed around a supermarket - along with a Valentine's teddy bear in a gift bag. Then on Sunday, he asked her if he could treat her to a special meal - which he offered to pay for with a jar of pennies he has been saving up for months. When the waitresses at the restaurant, Pizza Express in Torquay, Devon, realised what was going on, they gave Emma and Max the meal for free.
Emma was moved to tears by her little boy’s actions (Picture: SWNS)
‘Looking at her eyes welling up, I also began to shed a tear. She gave us our meal free of charge as a gift from Pizza Express in Torquay as she was so touched by what my 4 year old son had done.
‘This extremely kind gesture left me crying with happiness and holding onto my son with pure joy!’
Max – you absolute chap.