When Isaac Reed from Maidstone became concerned about the way people were thoughtlessly discarding face-masks and putting wildlife at risk, he decided to do something about it.

The nine-year-old has designed a poster to persuade people to be more thoughtful.

His mum, Kay Reed, said: "We often go for a walk in the park and it is distressing to see so many face-masks dropped on the ground.

"Isaac is a member of the RSPCA and he is worried that the strings from the masks could potentially get caught around birds' feet or necks.

"He just wants everyone to take more care."

Isaac, from Coxheath, has autism and is home-schooled. He created his poster on the computer and it is now displayed in his window and posted on his Mum's Facebook page where it has had many shares.

Mrs Reed said: "Isaac's received many favourable comment. He just hopes people take heed of his warning."

A quick walk into Maidstone town centre revealed it is a very real problem.

Discarded masks could be found everywhere: near the subway under Maidstone Bridge where ducks and geese often congregate, and in one case only a few feet from a waste bin.

The RSPCA said it is a very distressing situation.

The charity has had to deal with 938 cases of birds or animals snared in litter since the first lockdown started last March, including a gull with its legs entangled.

The charity is urging everyone to snip the straps on face-masks as a precaution before disposing of them, and of course to dispose of them properly.

Inspector Adam Jones said: “I’d appeal to all members of the public to ensure they dispose of their face masks and disposable gloves - and all other types of litter - properly and responsibly, so that animals don’t get hurt.”

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone