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Boy, 5, helps charities by litter picking

BBC Harlee is smiling at the camera. He is wearing a black and dark blue hat, with a grey and black camo coat, and an orange hi-vis jacket.BBC
Harlee gets annoyed when he sees litter in his local community

A five-year old boy in a hi-vis jacket, armed with a litter grabber, has become somewhat of an internet celebrity in a community in Solihull, thanks to his efforts to make a difference.

Harlee, from Chelmsley Wood, picks up litter around the area, and raises money for local food banks and charities.

His dad, Kevin, posts about Harlee's efforts on his very own Facebook group called "Harlee's Trash Patrol", which now has more than 170 members. He also has a dedicated YouTube channel.

"He would go out every day, all day. He’s just non-stop," Kevin told BBC Radio WM.

"I couldn’t be more proud of him," he said, "he’s such a joy to be around."

Harlee started his mission to clean up the area after becoming annoyed at seeing rubbish everywhere.

After clearing litter outside a home, he was given £20 as a thank you, which he used to buy food for a local food bank.

Harlee is standing with his mum and dad. He is wearing a black and blue beanie hat with a black and grey coat and an orange hi-vis jacket. His mum has brown hair and is wearing a blue jumper with a black gilet. His dad has brown facial hair and is wearing a grey cap, grey hoodie and orange hi-vis jacket. He is wearing gloves and holding the top of some litter collection tools
Harlee's parents said they were really proud of him

So far, he has helped two food banks and a local animal rescue.

People who follow his Facebook page donate to his GoFundMe, and he holds raffles.

"We had a target of £50, and we checked this morning, we’re up to £55," said Kevin.

"We also do a football card as well where you do a pound a team and there’s 40 teams."

The money is split between the winner and Harlee's charity fund.

Harlee is standing next to a large tree on some grass. He is wearing a black and dark blue hat, with a grey and black camo coat, and an orange hi-vis jacket. He is holding a green waste bag and a metal litter picking tool
Harlee has helped numerous organisations so far

Since starting, he has found a range of items dumped, from fast food wrappers to beer bottles and even a solitary shoe.

Harlee told the BBC that picking up rubbish made him happy.

"I can get money, get food, and help people," he said.

But, he had some wise advice for anyone thinking of starting it themselves.

"You have to be careful about [dog] poo, because it could be under leaves."

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