A young superhero has made it his mission to clean up the streets of a Cambridgeshire village.

Trash Can Stan, ( George 4 ) in his superhero costume looking for rubbish around his home in Duxford. Picture: Keith Heppell. (5727555)

Wearing a green mask and draped in a black cape, Trash Can Stan uses his journey to school to carry out his good deeds.

“Rubbish is bad for the environment and for the animals,” Trash Can Stan, also known as four-year-old George, said.

“For foxes and rabbits it’s bad because they might swallow it,” he added.

Patrolling the streets of Duxford wearing a outfit emblazoned with his name, George has been getting praise from the community with his quest to “save the environment”.

Mum Giudi Di Bon, 41, said the youngster was inspired by a project at his school, Duxford C of E Community Primary School.

“The theme was being a superhero in some way shape or form as a home project. So we had a chat with George and we all agreed it would be nice to start litter picking around the village,” she said.

Giudi told Cambridge Independent: “We decided to come up with a plan, so we’re doing a scrapbook with pictures of George picking up the litter around the village on route to school, and on the way back. He does it as often as he can especially weather permitted.”

George, who turns five later this month, has a litter picker with his superhero initials on it, a cape and a mask with STC on it - all made by his mum.

Trash Can Stan, ( George 4 ) in his superhero costume looking for rubbish around his home in Duxford. Picture: Keith Heppell. (5727550)

He also has a hand drawn map, so the family can mark where the rubbish is found and help raise awareness.

“It’s always sweetie wrappers, cigarette ends, empty packets and a lot of drinks cans,” said Giudi. “We’ve brought some attention to the problem.

“It’s a 10-minute walk to school with the stops and we manage to fill a whole bag every time. “There’s quite a lot of stuff around. You just need to look at you’ll find it.”

Trash Can Stan, a name chosen by his father Julian, 45, as George’s middle name is Stan, has become quite the celebrity in his village with passers-by stopping to congratulate him.

Trash Can Stan was even called upon to switch on the Christmas lights at St John’s Church in Duxford when they requested the village superhero.

Trash Can Stan, ( George 4 ) in his superhero costume looking for rubbish around his home in Duxford. Picture: Keith Heppell. (5727553)

Giuli added: “Most the community are in favour of the younger generation doing their bit.”

Duxford eatery Graystones was so impressed with his efforts that they’ve offered George a free pizza when he next visits.

But the family are keen to encourage others to join George, and will be hosting a litter pick on Saturday from 10am starting at Graystones.

“It would be nice to have some extra superheroes to join in that would be amazing. Either the same age group or older,” said Giuli.

And as for George’s friends? “They want to join in...mummy and daddy are my sidekicks,” he said.

Giuli added: “We’re really proud and the fact that he asks us if he can ‘do Trash Can Stan today’. He enjoys it, but of course mum or dad have to carry the bag of rubbish.”