Litter hero Charlie gets recognition for his work

Litter hero Charlie gets recognition for his work

7 March 2018

CROSSGAR’S very own litter hero has been recognised for his work cleaning local beaches.

Five year-old Charlie Hamilton-Cooper spends his spare time cleaning rubbish off beaches and has taken part in 24 organised beach clean-ups across Lecale and further afield.

His hard work was recognised at the Live Here Love Here Community Awards 2018 where he scooped two awards — the Newry, Mourne and Down Litter Heroes Award and a Special Volunteer Champion Award for all his work.

He was the youngest environmentalist to be presented with an award at the ceremony. 

Charlie began his campaign after hearing his mum and dad discussing a report of his plastic in the seas is killing wildlife.

The youngster was so interested in the conversation he decided he wanted to do something about it so the family came up with the idea of collecting litter on the beaches.

Dr Ian Humphreys, from Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, said Charlie and the other award recipients were making a difference to peoples’ lives.

“We are all remembered for our actions and everyone involved in Live Here Love Here, whether volunteer or funding partner, is changing people’s lives for the better and leaving a lasting legacy,” he said.

“With 170 nominations for tonight’s awards it is obvious that there is a growing movement of people who act because they care.”