A YOUNGSTER from Grays is blazing a litterpicking trail across the town and winning many admirers who have helped him smash a Comic Relief fundraising target.

Twelve-year-old Lucas Allwright has committed to litter-picking every day until Comic Relief Day which is on Friday March 19.

He initially had a target of raising £100 and is already close to £1,000.

He says: "I started litter picking on 5 February and have now decided to do it for a charity and as I love the Comic Relief and the work they do so I'm wearing a red nose while I'm picking.

"I'll litter pick every day until 19th March and when we go for a walk and at the weekend I target a larger area.

"I'm hoping by doing this it will raise awareness off just how much rubbish is thrown on our streets."

Proud mum Trulie says: "After just 10 days he has raised more than £900 on his Just Giving page and Comic Relief have contacted him personally to say what an amazing job he is doing."

Anyone who would like to support Lucas can do so via his fundraising page here.