Eight-year-old Penny Cramer, of Bury St Edmunds, is on a mission to tidy her litter-strewn neighbourhood

An eight-year-old girl on a mission to tidy up her litter-strewn neighbourhood is hoping to inspire others.

Penny Cramer, of Bury St Edmunds, began cleaning the Howard/Mildenhall Estates about two weeks ago after witnessing a teenage boy drop litter instead of putting it into a nearby bin.

The teenager was walking with his parents, who did not say anything to their son.

The incident, which left Penny horrified, has inspired her to do something to keep her community clean.

Now, along with her mum Abbie Pymer, Penny regularly picks up litter while walking her dog.

“It started from the litter incident,” said Abbie. “But it was also the fact that the parents didn’t challenge their own son and that really got to Penny.

“It really upset her. We can understand the teenager doing the wrong thing but it was down to the parents to say something.”

Following the incident, Abbie contacted the council to ask what Penny could do to keep her neighbourhood clean and she was equipped with a hi-vis vest, bags and a litter picker.

Abbie has also shared Penny’s story in a social media post, which she said has received a lot of positive reactions and even inspired others to do the same.

She said she is proud of Penny for being environmentally conscious.

“I’ve always picked things up when we were outside and I’ve always taught her to not drop litter,” said Abbie. “But it has really come from her and her love of nature, the outdoors and just making sure it stays as nice as it can.

“The rubbish here is really bad. People just want to enjoy a walk with their dog.

“I heard horrible stories about dogs swallowing things they shouldn’t be and it has made them really ill.

“I’m really proud of her and I want to support her.”

Penny said she plans to organise a litter-pick during the summer.

She added: “I feel quite sad when I see all the rubbish because I really like going outside and I like the wildlife and the animals.

“I notice too much litter when we go for walks. I find it frustrating.

“I hope this inspires others to start litter picking.”