A GRANDFATHER from Winklebury has offered a reward to an ‘inspirational’ young litter-picker.

Steve Gains read in the Gazette about the efforts of eleven-year-old Jordan Marsh from Kempshott Rise, who has been using his daily walk during lockdown to collect more than 30 bags of rubbish.

The 60-year-old felt his actions deserved recognition, and offered to give Jordan £20 as a reward.

“I just thought, it needs rewarding. Jordan is an inspiration to other youngsters. I hope they see it as an opportunity to do something similar perhaps, it doesn’t hurt,” he said.

The grandfather-of-three also plays his part in keeping the town tidy.

“I do my daily walk around 4 or 5am each morning if I can,” he said.

“I suffer from muscle pain and fatigue, so it’s my only real exercise.

“Along my way, I often remove glass and metal off the main roads. You would be surprised how much I find. I leave it safe on the verges, hoping the council will pick it up on their rounds. Why leave it on the road? It may cause accidents.”

Steve will arrange to get the money to Jordan in the coming weeks. Jordan’s mum, Jacquie, said it was “very kind” of Steve, and that Jordan would use it for something that supports local wildlife - and some sweets!

Steve said: “I hope Jordan buys something he needs or would like to have. And I hope others recognise that he has a great attitude towards our landscape in Basingstoke.”

When the Gazette reported on Jordan’s litter-picking endeavours, it received more than 50 comments of support on Facebook.

One reader wrote: “Good on him. The world needs more people like Jordan”.

Another added: “Good lad! Caring for the environment, caring for us.”

A third said: “What a true hero. This young man is amazing - I was so touched reading this story. He deserves a proper recognition by the council or someone. Well done.”