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A nine-year-old pupil from Pontefract’s Carleton Park Junior Infant School has been awarded a “Mayor says thanks” recognition award for raising more than £1,750 for children’s mental health charities and continually giving up his own time to litter pick in his local area.

George Martin was nominated by a local councillor who first saw him litter picking when the councillor was completing his 100-mile walk in lockdown as part of the Captain Tom 100 challenge.

George also picks litter with 14 friends in a group called the “Raptor Pickers” and continues his efforts to help the environment as well as raising awareness of environmental issues.

George, who loves nature and a big fan of David Attenborough and wildlife presenter Steve Backshall, said: “I know what damage is being done to the environment and nature and I feel I have to do something to help. It makes the streets tidy for everyone.”

George Martin meets the Mayor of Wakefield Coun David Jones who rewarded him for all his efforts

When meeting the Mayor of Wakefield David Jones, George said: “It doesn’t cost anything for everyone to do their own little bit to help, but if no one does anything it will end up costing the planet.”

Joe Ayre, head teacher at Carleton Park Junior Infant School and part of the Pontefract Academies Trust, said: “We couldn’t be prouder. George never ceases to amaze us with what he does to help others – He’s always coming up with new ideas on what we can do as a school to continue to help the environment. We will always support him in any way we can.”

Green champion George, aged nine, receives an award from the Mayor of Wakefield for his environmental efforts