A VOLUNTEER who dedicates his spare time to litter-picking was hit by a missile while out cleaning the streets.

The man, who asked not to be named, said despite being injured in the incident it would not put him off him off volunteering.

The Keep Blackburn Tidy volunteer was in Brandy House Brow, Blackburn, when a car hurtled past and a full can of drink was thrown at him.

It left him shocked, bruised and extremely saddened, while police said the incident and it was under investigation.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, the man, who has been a volunteer litter-picker in Blackburn with Darwen for 15 years, said: “When the incident happened, I was shocked and I must admit initially quite angry. The object hit me and caused me severe bruising to my upper left arm.

“My arm hurt and I felt very disappointed that it happened as I was only trying to do something positive.

“I am sure that people will agree the issue of speeding traffic on Brandy House Brow is unacceptable as is people throwing objects at those volunteering to help their area and community.

“I think some people do realise about the effort that is put in by the many fantastic volunteers within Blackburn and Darwen who keep their streets and communities clean.

“Unfortunately, there are many who do not seem to know and frankly who do not seem to care, it is a shame but it is true.

“I hope that going forward people within our wonderful borough can all work together to make our areas and town cleaner and greener.”

The incident happened on Saturday, September 4, just after 2pm when what is believed to be small black hatchback drove past. The man managed to pass on a partial numberplate to the police.

He said the area was already plagued by speeding drivers.

Cllr Jackie Floyd, who has led a number of local campaigns and is also a member of Keep Blackburn Tidy, said: “It is very sad that a member of the public should insult a volunteer litter-picker in this way.”

Tony Watson, head of environment at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “It’s really disappointing to hear that a member of the public would deliberately harm one of our volunteers and potentially, one of their neighbours.

“There is an amazing community of litter-pickers across our borough who work incredibly hard to help keep Blackburn with Darwen clean, educate other residents and boost community pride and positivity, as well as health and wellbeing. For someone to injure and insult this community is completely unacceptable and we sincerely hope that the person responsible is found.

“I’d like to thank this particular volunteer for their commitment and resilience – to continue litter picking despite this incident is a real credit to them and they deserve the utmost respect.”

Despite the incident the volunteer said he was determined to continue working for the betterment of his neighbourhood and town.

He said: “This will not put me off volunteering, in fact, I was out today litter-picking.

“It would take more than this incident to prevent me from helping to improve my area and Blackburn and Darwen.”