Meet the nine-year-old boy cleaning up South Tyneside

Daniel Rowell is pictured with the Mayor, Coun Ken Stephenson and Mayoress Coun Ken Stephenson and Cathy Stephenson.

A youngster on a mission to clean up South Tyneside has been recognised for his efforts with an award.

Nine-year-old Daniel Rowell, of Hedworth in Jarrow, regularly takes part in clean-ups in his area, collecting the litter that others leave behind.

Instead of having a party for his birthday, he opted to do a beach clean and, with the help of his family, collected three big bags of rubbish from Sandhaven Beach.

Daniel Rowell with Mayor Coun Ken Stephenson.

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He also makes ecobricks – reusable building blocks - from single use plastics, boosting still further his environmental credentials.

Now his hard work and ‘green’ approach have been recognised as he has been presented with the first ever #LoveSouthTyneside award.

Presenting the award, the Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Ken Stephenson, said: “It is quite clear that Daniel really cares about where he lives – and about the planet as a whole.

Daniel Rowell has been clearing up South Tyneside.

“He is a truly inspirational young man and a fantastic ambassador for the Borough.

"By presenting this award, I hope more people will follow his lead and do their bit to make South Tyneside an even better place in which to live.”

The #LoveSouthTyneside campaign was launched earlier this year in a bid to recognise and promote civic pride, raise awareness of volunteering and community events and promote South Tyneside as a great place to live.

Daniel said: "I am really proud and happy that I got this award, I love helping to make the environment a better place for everyone.

"I can't wait to do my next clean up."