Not many 11-year-old boys can hold a conversation about washing-up liquid.

John ­A­­debola-Samuel knows more about the economics of dish cleansing than many adults.

He has become a minor celebrity since appearing on this week’s BBC ­Scotland documentary Breadline Kids, explaining how to make one bottle last as long as humanly possible.

John Adebola-Samuel appeared on the BBC Scotland documentary with his family

Viewers were touched by the smart, cheerful boy who does not whine about the family’s lack of telly, games console or other luxuries most ­youngsters enjoy.

He rides his bike – a gift from a family friend – plays his ukulele and gets on with it.

Since the show aired the family, who live in Dumfries, have been swamped with offers of help.

John’s 20-year-old sister, Damola, who also appeared on the show, said: “We have had so many offers of things to keep us going – a freezer, a TV, basic things we need. People are being so generous.

“These are people who don’t know us but are going out of their way to help us be comfortable.”

The family are asking that all donations are sent via Dumfries charity First Base Agency.

First Base have also been dealing with offers of help and ­donations since Breadline Kids aired.

Originally from Nigeria, John and Damola moved from London to Dumfries with their mother, ­Christiana, to escape violence, terrorism, rising housing costs and unscrupulous landlords.

Christiana’s visa has expired and, while she waits to hear if she has leave to remain in the UK, the family have no income.

They cannot work and receive no benefits. They are living on food parcels from First Base and help from the Salvation Army and other charities.

Damola volunteers with the Salvation Army and First Base. She is frustrated because she can’t study or work. She hopes to train as a midwife.

She wanted to take part in Breadline Kids “to show what it’s like for young people growing up without cash or money”.

She added: “People have been coming up to me in the street to say they’ve seen the show and they hope all goes well for us.”

In the documentary, we hear John explain how much he would love a hot meal at lunchtime after his application for a free school lunch is refused twice.

The youngster didn't moan about the family's lack of television

At the end of the film, it is finally awarded. We see him looking with glee over the different options.

He is so delighted at the prospect of a hot chicken wrap that he writes to the council to thank them.

He has since met the official ­responsible to thank her in person. He still loves his meals.

“They are really nice,” he said. “My favourite is chicken curry and rice. Before that I would have cold rice or cold noodles.”

The sight of a young lad facing ­hardship with such grace and good manners led to tears on social media.

One viewer tweeted to say: “John writing a letter to say ‘thank you’ for his free school meals just broke me. A beautiful boy with the kindest heart.”

The family’s situation means John knows things about washing-up liquid – and Home Office bureaucracy – that no child should have to worry about.

He knows that people who have seen him on TV want to support the family, but there’s only one thing they need.

John said: “What I really want is leave to remain.”

When pushed, he added that an Xbox “would be good”.

If you would like to donate to First Base Agency, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mark-frankland4