Seven-year-old Reuben Howard has raised £500 for his school in Taunton after cleaning up his community.

Reuben, a pupil at Minerva Primary School, raised the money after locals noticed his litter-picking efforts around the school’s community and donated to his campaign.

The youngster has a passion for tidiness and environmental responsibility and has become a litter-picking force, collecting any discarded items in the school grounds and around the local area.

Such is his dedication that Reuben not only collects litter on his way to and from school, but he even does also so at the weekend.

When asked about his motivation for his litter picking endeavours he said: “I want to make the world a better place; it’s sad when people drop litter.”

Reuben has even gone beyond cleaning up after himself; he’s also encouraged and inspired others to become active participants in the fight against littering, positively encouraging them to join his team.

His project has also captured the interest of the Mayor of Taunton, who will be presenting Reuben with an award at an assembly themed on school values.

Gareth Nation, Headteacher at Minerva Primary School, said: “Reuben is a real inspiration and an absolute delight.

“He is a role model pupil to others, demonstrating our values on a daily basis, which is wonderful to see.”