A BIG hearted school girl has spent her time in lockdown picking up litter. Phoebe Gaughan has also turned her passion for the environment into a fundraising challenge. The seven-year-old, from Perdiswell, regularly picked up litter using cooking tongs before being given a litter picker as a present.

For the recent 2.6 Challenge, which raised money for charities on the day the London Marathon would have been held, the Perdiswell Primary School pupil decided to litter pick for 2.6 miles.

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She completed her challenge in just under three hours last Friday, (May 1), picking up three bags of litter, with her school letting her use their bins to dispose of the rubbish.

Mum Amber-Leigh Gaughan said: “Phoebe goes litter picking quite often - she’s really passionate about reducing plastic waste and making a difference to the world and ocean. She set her target to raise £100, but so far she’s already more than doubled that to £217."

“What was lovely was someone posted about her (on social media), thanking her, and lots of other people commented saying they saw her and it made their day too. I’m extremely proud of her and the difference she has made for this charity, cleaning up the local area and bringing a smile to the community.”

So far, Phoebe has raised £2750 for the Friends of the Earth Charitable Trust, that supports projects working for conservation, protection and sustainable use for the public benefit of the Earth’s natural environment.

To donate, visit justgiving.com and search for Phoebe Gaughan.