A WOMAN has been given the birthday surprise of a lifetime in recognition of her “deep love” of litter picking in her local community.

50-year-old Amanda Robson, who is on the autism spectrum, set up a Facebook page for her litter picking to bring her community together.  

Her hard work was then noticed by Durham County Council’s clean and green team, who awarded her with a ride on a Scarab street sweeper after being contacted by her husband.

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Amanda, from Consett, said: “I felt really happy noticing a big drop in the volume of litter and waste that I was collecting on each pick up over the course of the year.

“If everyone chose to adopt one small area around their home, street, business, or even just their favourite walking spot, and helped take care of it for a few months, they would start to feel empowered to help with proactive change.”

The mother-of-five litter picks from the Denes area to Medomsley Village, armed with a trolley, gloves and bags – often dressing up to inspire others.

Her husband, Cris, decided to surprise her with a road sweeper experience, contacting the council to set up the experience.

He said: “Amanda has a deep love for street sweeper vehicles such as the Scarab, so I wanted to make this a special and unforgettable experience for her. She was extremely excited and overjoyed that this could happen.”

The Northern Echo:

“Amanda voluntarily cleans up litter and has been doing an excellent job in helping keep the area clean. I believe this experience has not only been memorable for her, but a great reward for her hard work and dedication.

Councillor Mark Wilkes, cabinet member for neighbourhoods  and climate change, said: “When we heard about Amanda’s interest in street sweepers, as well as the hard work she puts in for her community, we were delighted to make this happen for her.”

“It was great to see Amanda truly enjoy the experience and help Cris gift this experience to his wife.”

Following this incredible experience, Amanda has said she will carry on with her rewarding work.

She said: “I continue to collect rubbish in my area, one piece at a time, and anyone can do it too and see how it helps.

“If I’ve inspired just one person to adopt their area and take care of it then my birthday wish, to ride on the street scarab, was the best birthday wish I could ask for.”

A video of Amanda's experience can be viewed here.