A HEADINGTON pensioner has finally been rewarded for mucking in.

After three decades of voluntarily cleaning the streets, Len Samways has been given an award after being nominated by his neighbours.

The 84-year-old has been cleaning Latimer Grange, where he lives, for 34 years. Four years ago he began walking up and down part of London Road with his litter picker, gloves and bag.

The grandfather to four received 18 nominations out of 20 for the first Good Neighbourhood Award, which was organised by his housing association for residents in Latimer Grange.

He picked up the award – £25 in vouchers and a certificate – at a residents’ meeting in McMasters House in nearby Latimer Road on Monday.

Andrew Galloway, an estates officer for the Hastoe Housing Association, said: “He is a truly remarkable gentleman.

“He really thinks of other people before himself.

“Who would go out and pick up litter through the wind, rain and snow?

“The stretch of road he looks after is always clean. He does so much for the area.

“People nowadays just cannot be bothered, people think the street cleaners will pick it up.”

Mr Samways is supplied with bags by Oxford City Council. He collects up to a bag of rubbish each Monday, which is taken away by the council.

He said: “It was a big surprise to receive the award. I have always cleaned up. I don’t mind doing it. I like it.

“I find tins, paper, fish and chip boxes, sometimes broken glass, everything. You name it, you find it. It is quite bad on the corner of Lime Walk.

“I will keep doing it as long as I can and then I will stop.”

He says the strangest thing he has found is the brand new Bible he stumbled upon this year, which he dried off and then donated to his local church. Mr Samways also found an entire pack of playing cards and some writing paper in some bushes.

A spokesman for Oxford City Council said: “We are delighted that Mr Samways has won this award and his great efforts have been recognised. We are always grateful when a member of the local community takes pride in the area they live in.”

Do you know another community-spirited resident who deserves recognition? Call our newsdesk on 01865 425500 or email news@oxfordmail.co.uk