Three-year-old Arlan Saunders is leading the battle to clean up the planet while simultaneously raising money for his pre-school and walking 30km.

The inspirational youngster, from Sole Street, embarked on his marathon litter-picking mission earlier this month, and has so far raised more than £300 for Cobham Pre-School.

Some of the money raised will go towards the Bin Twinning charity, which helps fund sustainable projects to collect people’s rubbish, dispose of it safely, recycle as much as possible and promote waste reduction.

Arlan's fundraising page can be seen here, and includes an explanation of his mission, stating: "Hello! I’m Arlan. My pre-school is fantastic but it is tricky for the Pre-School at the moment because it is a charity (albeit part-funded by Kent County Council).

"I would like to help my pre-school have money to continue to have resources and activities for the children in the local community.

"Mummy and Daddy asked if I wanted to help the pre-school and walk at least 30k over a few weeks litter picking to also help the environment and the animals.

"Mummy and Daddy says most of the money we raise will help the pre-school and a little will Twin our Bin."

Mum Luisa explained why she felt compelled to support the Bin Twinning initiative, stating: "My husband and I wish to be part of the solution doing our maximum to help build a more sustainable world.

"In educating ourselves we wish also to educate our young son so that he can continue to be part of the solution to climate change too.

"We feel it is the duty and responsibility of everyone to make small steps that count towards a much wider whole as we are all a small cog that can help. Every little counts.

"Personally it saddens me that people are unable to dispose of their rubbish and disregard our beautiful planet through littering especially when we have the means to do so.

"We feel fortunate to be living in a more developed and wealthy nation that has made some advancements in sustainability and feel we should help do what we can to support poorer less developed nations in this quest too. After all we all live on the same planet. We are all a cog."

She said the experience had helped the family get exercise during lockdown, and had helped form new relationships in the community, adding: "Sadly though it has highlighted the impact that dog fouling and addiction has on littering - fly-tipping, gas canisters and alcohol in particular.

"Our three-year-old's favourite bit about litter picking is “getting muddy and using the grabbers but does not like the rubbish.”

If you'd like to track their progress check out their fundraiser here - https://gofund.me/0811fce8

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