Meet the four-year-old 'Waste Warrior' who has launched her own mission to combat litter and rubbish in the Harborough district

An amazing little girl of four from Harborough nicknamed the ‘Waste Warrior” has launched her own high-powered mission to combat litter and rubbish.

Daisy French-Hewitt is so determined to keep her streets and countryside clean that she even wrote to Father Christmas asking for a litter picker.

And the youngster even put her request to Santa in person when she met him in his grotto while visiting the Buttercups Tearoom in Billesdon.

Daisy is often seen out and about with her family picking up rubbish near their home in Thurnby - and they are also encouraging their friends and family to help out.

Daisy's proud mum Sophie said: "Daisy told Santa she wanted to go litter picking on Christmas Day but as I'm a key worker I had to work part of Christmas Day, so we weren't able to go.

“However, I did promise I would take her on Boxing Day.

“And we did just that when she managed to fill a whole bin bag full of pizza boxes, cans, plastic bottles, balloons and face masks.

“This is where Daisy's Waste Warrior journey began.

“Now, every time we go out Daisy will point out litter and shout 'Mum, look, rubbish’!"

In Daisy's own words, she says: "I love people being proud of me and I love litter picking."

Super-dedicated Daisy has been going out in all weathers to carry out litter picks - including at her local surgery, pub, park and care home.

The devoted youngster has been collecting litter at a local school - and the grateful headteacher wrote her a thank you card.

Sophie said Daisy has had "lovely support and encouragement" from family, friends and especially her pre-school.

Her pre-school surprised Daisy with a personal hi-vis jacket.

Not only did it have her name and 'Keeping the future Clean' on but it was sparkly all over!

Daisy’s also been given a reusable litter picking bag, just the perfect size for a four-year-old.

Sophie said: "We are all so very proud of her and I can't wait to watch her change the world one litter pick at a time."

Cllr Jonathan Bateman, Harborough District Council's Cabinet lead for Environment and Waste said: "What an inspiration Daisy is.

“She is clearly passionate about the environment and keeping our beautiful district tidy.

“Sadly people drop litter.

“But thankfully people like Daisy are showing that they care for the environment and are leading by example – a very big well done to her!"

Harborough council works with its contractor FCC Environment to carry out regular litter picks across all 230 square miles of Harborough district.

“We also support volunteer groups with litter picks - although due to current demand on resources we ask that any collected litter is placed in the appropriate domestic bins if possible,” said the council.