FOR many, doing their bit to keep Oxford tidy may be picking up the odd crisp packet but one resident has gone much further.

Richard MacKenzie, 39, lives aboard his narrowboat Bluebell, cruising the historic Oxford Canal.

He has just completed a litter-pick of all 78 miles from Coventry to its terminus in the heart of Oxford’s city centre.

Mr MacKenzie lives with his wife and two young children full-time on his narrowboat, Bluebell, cruising the Oxford Canal.

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He has been shocked by the amount of litter and flytipping he has encountered.

Working as a gardener, protecting the natural world is a passion and he was committed to playing his part.

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The dad-of-two has also been fundraising for the Oxfordshire charity, Bridewell Gardens, which provides support for those recovering from mental illness.

With his wife Jackie, at the helm of Bluebell, Mr MacKenzie left Hawksbury Junction in Coventry on Monday.

Armed with his litter-picker stick and a supply of bin bags, he has so far collected around 70 sacks of rubbish.

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On Sunday he reached Hythe Bridge in Oxford where he was welcomed by Tom Hayes, the council’s lead member for the waterways, and Lord Mayor Craig Simmons.

Mr MacKenzie said: “It’s been a huge challenge. I wanted to make a difference as the Oxford Canal is my home.

"But I want to raise awareness too – we all have to take greater care of our environment.”

Mr Hayes said: “Richard has shown great personal commitment to keeping the waterways of Oxford – and over 70 miles beyond our city - clean and tidy, protecting our environment.”