THIS week we’re congratulating a man who has raised lots of money for charity and is often seen out and about with a bulging bin bag, keeping his hometown tidy.

Tom Higgins is Egremont born and bred. The town councillor has filled 20 bags with discarded rubbish in the past week and is delighted that his endeavours have encouraged others to do their bit. He has also been raising charity funds by selling a selection of paintings done during lockdown.

“We normally have a town council organised litter pick every few months but there were parts of the town which were becoming eyesores and I felt it was time to get out and about and do what I could about the grot spots,” said Mr Higgins, 66.

“I’m retired so can get out when I like.”

He lives in Fell View Drive and has been picking up discarded debris from his road down to Main Street, also out towards the skatepark and cycleway and both sides of the A595 approach road.

“Parts of the area are rotten. There’s all sorts discarded, from cans and bottles to plastic bags and lots and lots of face masks. I even found a bong one day,” said Mr Higgins.

“Things can get blown in the wind and then trapped. There are also lots of beer cans which have been left by youngsters.”

He is delighted that his efforts have inspired others. Fellow resident Peter Gifkins told him he walked his dog daily at the castle and was now also collecting litter.

“I’ve lived here all my life and go for regular walks.

“When you are seeing litter it drags you down a bit. If it’s not there you simply feel better,” said Mr Higgins.

Town clerk Geraldine Pritchard said: “Tom’s been busy collecting litter, which people really appreciate as it makes the town look nicer. Every little bit helps.”

He has also been doing lots of fundraising, raising hundreds of pounds for various local charities.

The keen artist enjoyed painting during lockdown and raised £1,500 with the sale of eight paintings. He has since donated £1,100 to North Allerdale Foodbank, £210 to West Cumbria Hospice at Home and £200 to people making scrubs for local frontline workers.

“I had time so wanted to put it to good use,” he said.

“The paintings were a range of styles and subjects. There were pastel drawings and also acrylic on canvas. They were all framed.”