A FIVE-year-old is inspiring an Oldham community to clean up the streets with his litter picking crusade.

Thomas Stewart, a pupil at Corpus Christi School, has taken South Chadderton by storm and as a tribute to his efforts, he now has his own Facebook group. We are South Chadderton, has already gained more than 250 followers and ‘recruited’ Oldham Council’s new leader, Arooj Shah to join his latest effort.

His father Paul said: “Thomas initially did a litter pick as part of his Earth Day homework.

“He developed a real passion for it and in support of his work we have made a social media site encouraging others to do the same and keep our streets tidy. This the only group in South Chadderton dedicated to litter picking and we are looking to it to help our team building. It’s a real feel good news happening stemming from a five-year-old’s vision. The group is set up in a tribute to him and is targeting and cleaning problem areas. He has really made a difference in the small amount of time he’s been doing his tidy ups. We have received many offers to conduct community litter picks however due to Covid-19 we are restricted to just six people presently but hope when restrictions are lifted we can all get together and make a difference.

“We welcome all who want to make a difference and also those who have littering issues in their area and we can go out and tackle these areas with them.”

The squad have just completed a successful action day clearing an the front of Corpus Christi School and surrounding streets.

Mr Stewart said: “In total we got 16 bags and a huge cardboard box. Some of the team went back to Owd Tatts to maintain the hard work last week. It’s such a good feeling and nice to meet new people. We are getting bigger and bigger. So many thanks to Nicola Barrett, Joanne Roberts, Lewis Mulligan, Joanne Jennings, cllr Graham Shuttleworth, cllr Arooj Shah, Rebecca Stewart and of course Thomas.

“I keep the social media page impartial and all party members who are/will be joining us are out to support Thomas and us residents, nothing more, nothing less.”

On Saturday at 11am, Thomas and his band of little helpers, will be Hollinwood Rugby club car park and aims to respond to areas requested by residents in South Chadderton.

“We are limited to 30 in number but anyone who wants can come down and join us, I have extra pickers equipment.”