The mother of an eight-year-old boy who has become a "celebrity" litter picker in his home village of Hemsby says it is something he can excel in.

Theo Yeldham has severe dyslexia and learning difficulties and struggles to do well at school - but has found his niche in caring for the coastline and inspiring others to do the same.

He has become such a familiar figure on the beach near Great Yarmouth that he now has his own blog page Jr Seal Ranger Theo documenting his rubbish finds and has attracted the support of sponsors.

Eastern Daily Press: Theo Yeldham who has a passion for the ocean is being helped with his litter picking by sponsors Monty's fish and chips and the Lacon Arms pub in Hemsby.Theo Yeldham who has a passion for the ocean is being helped with his litter picking by sponsors Monty's fish and chips and the Lacon Arms pub in Hemsby. (Image: Hannah Yeldham)

His mother Hannah Yeldham said it all started with a novelty grabber bought from the Sealife Centre in Great Yarmouth some years ago.

Fearing another plastic toy would be asked for then set aside she at first resisted his pleas to buy it - but having given in he became hooked.

Eastern Daily Press: Theo Yeldham with the plastic penguin litter picker that started it all off.Theo Yeldham with the plastic penguin litter picker that started it all off. (Image: Hannah Yeldham)

During lockdown it became especially important as a way to get outside and establish routines, she added.

Mrs Yeldham's more recent role as a seal warden had also opened his eyes to the perils of plastic and lead to him completing a challenge award with Whale and Dolphin Conservation.

"We go down there mostly at weekends," she said.

Eastern Daily Press: Theo Yeldham is a familiar sight on Hemsby beach where strangers rush up to him to thank him for his efforts.Theo Yeldham is a familiar sight on Hemsby beach where strangers rush up to him to thank him for his efforts. (Image: Hannah Yeldham)

"Generally we are there just over an hour during which time we fill a black bin bag and a separate carrier for glass.

"It is mostly from the base of the dunes where the visitors sit.

"Last night when we went for a walk there was a pile of eight beer cans and a disposable barbecue. I draw the line at picking up dog poo bags though."

She said Theo had been doing his litter picking quietly without fanfare or applause until she posted about how her son had picked up after a load of adults who left rubbish behind on the beach urging people to do their bit.

Eastern Daily Press: Theo Yeldham with bags of rubbish he has collected from the beach usually left behind by funseekers looking to enjoy the seaside. Their rubbish is unsightly and also a hazard to people and animals.Theo Yeldham with bags of rubbish he has collected from the beach usually left behind by funseekers looking to enjoy the seaside. Their rubbish is unsightly and also a hazard to people and animals. (Image: Hannah Yeldham)

Since then it had "taken off" and Theo was enjoying the spotlight.

"He wants to be famous," she said. "He wants to get more followers than Preston, his favourite YouTuber."

Monty's Fish and Chips and The Lacon Arms had both stepped forward to sponsor him ahead of his Big Beach Clean on September 3 at the end of the summer season which he hopes the community will support by joining him.