Schoolboy scoops an award for helping to keep his village clean
An eight-year-old who plays a part in keeping his village clear of litter in his spare time has been championed with a special award.
Thomas Hackett is the latest recipient of the Houghton Young Hero award run by Northumbria Police and Sunderland City Council, recognising him for going above and beyond by helping rid East Rainton of litter.
Thomas and dad Steve are keen volunteers at Litter Action, an online community hosted by the Campaign to Protect Rural England to tackle the problem.
His hard work has already led to East Rainton Community
Group presenting him with a hamper as thanks for his continuous enthusiasm.
Now he has been given the Houghton Young Hero award, which were set up by Police Community Support Officer Daniel Hawksby to reward young people who make an outstanding difference.
PCSO Hawksby said: “This monthly award is something small to recognise one of our young people who’ve shown an act of kindness, gone above and beyond or had a special achievement.
“After hearing about the work that Thomas has been doing in East Rainton, giving up his spare time to pick up rubbish and fill bags of litter, we thought he encapsulated everything we want in a winner.
“It’s been a difficult year
for all our communities, but Thomas has used his time while out walking to keep East
Rainton clean of litter and has shown an amazing community spirit beyond his years.
“He should be really proud of himself, as I know his parents and the wider community are too.
"He is truly a Young Hero.” Steve said his son became involved with cleaning up his communityatayoungageand has since filled dozens of bags of litter.
The council provided him with his own picker and bin bags after hearing of his passion and Thomas can be seen out with his dad once a week cleaning up the main road through the village.
Steve said: “Thomas was so pleased to get this award and has had it displayed in his room ever since.
"We are really proud of him, and it’s great that his hard work has been recognised in this way.”
To nominate someone from the Houghton area, email 9581@northumbria. pnn.police.uk