Boy of five living near Birmingham McDonald's and KFC is Britain's youngest litter picker

Britain's youngest litter picker uses play time to pick up rubbish around Chelmsley Wood - aged just five. Harlee Hutchinson is on a mission to clean up, armed with his 'grab n grip' litter picker, every weekend and most evenings after school.

The eco-conscious youngster was spurred into action when he noticed fast food debris strewn near his Chelmsley Wood home. Together with his parents Amanda and Kevin, Harlee ventures out around four times a week, kitted out in his hi-vis vest.

Each outing sees Harlee fill around two bin bags full of waste, and his efforts have gained him a following of online supporters inspired by his dedication. Amanda, 36, said: "We live opposite a McDonald's and a KFC and Harlee got angry after seeing all the wrappers and food boxes everywhere.

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"He said he wanted to pick the rubbish up if no-one else was so we went with him and it went from there. He said he wanted to do it again.

"We joined a community group who gave him a hi-vis vest and a proper litter picker. Obviously no-one wants rubbish dumped on the streets and neither does Harlee but he gets a lot of helping to clean up the community.

"People around here have started noticing too. An old lady gave him £20 for some cleaning as a thank-you. He was so grateful but wanted to do something with it so donated it to charity."

"Harlee watches YouTube videos of people giving money to the homeless. He wanted to use his money to give to the homeless. He started all of this in September.

"He's literally out every other day whatever the weather. He's around our area, he doesn't go too far as he's only five and gets tired easily.

"We can fill one bag and we haven't got around our block. We normally take two bags. We recycle as much as we can. It would just be nice to not see as much rubbish in our area."

In addition to litter picking, Harlee has also raised hundreds of pounds for a wildlife charity and two local foodbanks. His proud dad Kevin, 35, said: "He would go out every day, all day if we let him, he's just non-stop.

"I couldn't be more proud of him. He's such a joy to be around." Factory worker Kevin added: "We have a Facebook page to keep everyone up-to-date. We thought we'd create a page for Harlee.

"People can watch him and stay up to speed. We've donated to a wildlife sanctuary in the area.

"We've got his fund up to £115. His goal was only £50, but before that he's raised £80. He's raised nearly £200."

"We try and do it for the animal one and the two foodbanks. He likes hedgehogs and squirrels."

Harlee's Trash Patrol Facebook group now boasts more than 170 members. Despite his popularity, kind-hearted Harlee has remained unfazed and simply said: "I can get money, get food, and help people."

On the topic of litter picking, he wisely said: "You have to be careful about poo, because it could be under leaves." Mum Amanda, who also has two other children, added: "We're both so proud of how selfless he is, he is such a joy to be around."

"He is always full of compliments and thinking of others, very empathetic. We couldn't be prouder, he's literally such a joy to be around. He's always happy, not a naughty child and full of compliments."

"He is quite mature for his age, too."