VIDEO: Young litter pickers awarded for cleaning up estate

A GROUP of young eco-friendly activists and a pensioner who has dedicated his life to coaching youngsters have been recognised as local heroes.

Maltby Town Council awarded a group of litterpickers from the White City estate the title of young persons of the year at The Maltby Civic Service.

It was the first time a group has picked up the title in the awards history.

Citizen of the Year was given to 83-year-old Gordon Worrall who has dedicated his life to grass roots football in the village, both playing and developing young talent and still trains youngsters today.

Junior litter pickers, The Environmentalists were nominated by James Smith, engagement officer from South Yorkshire Housing Association.

James said he heard about tje group of young litter pickers, aged three to 13-years-old, who were cleaning up the White City Estate in Maltby with the help of local couple, Freda and Robert Brooks.

James said: “The couple are passionate about the environment and were teaching the kids about why it’s important to pick up litter.

“They were giving them healthy snacks for taking part, but paying for it out of their own pocket.”

James said SYHA wanted to help the project and so provided high vis vests, CRB checks for the volunteers and snacks.

Around 20 young volunteers and some parents join the litterpicks, which have proved so successful the group has dropped a session and now only meets once-a-week

James added: “The estate has improved greatly due to their work.

“I’m really pleased they have got some recognition.”

See the full story in today's Advertiser which details more about Gordon's career.

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