A YOUNGSTER from Blackburn, who has more energy to play with than most children, has found a positive way of channeling it by doing his bit for the environment.

Eight-year-old Nathan Pugh, who suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, has been litter picking in his spare time in areas such as Witton Park and around the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The St Peter’s CE Primary School pupil was one of nine prize-winners at the Good Neighbour Awards this year, organised by the Lancashire Telegraph and Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The awards recognise people who have made a difference in their communities.

Even adults have become inspired by what Nathan has done including his Dad, Karl’s friend, Wayne Dixon, who is litter picking up and down the British coast after seeing what Nathan was doing.

Nathan’s mum Heidi, 45, said she was extremely proud of what her son does for the environment.

She said: “Nathan has a lot of extra energy and we needed to find a positive way for him to channel it really.

“He started litter picking when his grandad pointed out the rubbish that was gathering at Feniscowles allotments.

“His grandad taught him all about how rubbish can harm wildlife and eventually he got so into that the council provided him with a litter picking pack and we started taking him out around the area.

“He’s been around Witton Park a lot and around the canal and he’s even started to inspire people.

“We went to Grange-over-Sands with my husband’s friend Wayne who started litter picking on the coast because of Nathan.

“He’s started to inspire other children as well, we could see more at the awards this year than last year.

“He’s channelling his energy in an excellent way and we are very proud of him and the way he has made ADHD a positive thing rather than a negative one.”

Nathan’s efforts were recognised by the borough council when he was invited to the mayor’s chamber for afternoon tea.

The youngster has also been invited to open the McDonalds in Whitebirk, after its refurbishment, on October 2.