A SOUTHAMPTON youngster has raised £45 for a Hampshire charity.

Francis Hedges, aged 11, a Foundry Lane Primary School pupil raised £45 from litter-picking near his home in Shirley and donated the proceeds to Breast Cancer Haven, Wessex.

The clean-up was part of Francis’ Civic Award - the junior version of The Duke of Edinburgh Award – which asks children to take part in a sport and hobby for six.

Francis said: “We were really surprised how much rubbish there was, it looks like people eat their takeaways in cars and then throw the packaging out the window.

"We found pizza boxes; paper coffee cups, fizzy drink cans and millions of cigarette butts.

"Once we had finished it looked so much better. We are proud of where we live and want it to look like a nice place to be and not a run-down area.

"We want to go out again and would love to inspire others to keep their areas clean”.

Heidi Rehman, BCH Wessex Community Fundraiser added: “We are so thrilled to see that young people are out in the community making a difference.

"Francis has not only cleaned up the streets near where he lives but also the amount that he has raised for us could fund an hour of aromatherapy massage for one visitor.

"Thank you so much Francis and well done."