A BOY who was fed up of seeing his route to school covered with litter has inspired others to care more about their community and join his Clean Up Crew.

Josh Atkins, 10, from Catterick Garrison, asked his dad Lee if they could go on a litter pick at the weekend to clean up the mess on pathways from his home to Le Cateau Primary School.

After spreading the word via a Facebook group, Catterick Garrison Clean Up Crew, the father and son are hoping to see as many of their neighbours as possible.

Mr Atkins, who is in the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, said he was proud of Josh for coming up with the idea to give their community some extra attention.

“It started with a chat on the way to school one morning, Josh commented on all the rubbish and I agreed it looked terrible. As a parent you want your children to be able to walk to school and play safely without fear of them falling on glass, or younger children picking up something sharp.

“It was all his idea, I just set up the Facebook group, which now has almost 200 followers. We have had lots of support from Richmondshire District Council and my regiment, which have both donated rubbish bags, litter pickers and safety gloves.”

Mr Atkins said he had seen Josh’s confidence grow in the organising of the project, as he has struggled since the sudden death of his older brother Chris, 11, in December 2016.

“He is very excited about the litter pick. He is only just starting to go back to school full time as the loss of his brother hit him hard. This is helping to rebuild his confidence.”

The first litter pick will take place on Sunday at 2pm at Coronation Park, near Aldi, and regular litter picks in the coming months will target other areas.