AN IDEA to celebrate a special date inspired an Alton schoolgirl to make the area where she lives a tidier place.

Anstey Junior School’s Parent Teacher Association challenged pupils to complete a sponsored activity to raise funds for the school during half-term.

The challenge was set to celebrate the five-figure palindromic date of 22.2.22 – an occasion which will not be repeated until January 11, 2111, nearly 89 years from now.

Gabriella, aged seven, decided that she would try to raise money for the school by picking up litter around her home.

As a result of her efforts she raised more than £135.

A spokesperson for the Eastbrooke Road school said: “She started picking up litter on the estate that she lives in and gained lots of support and sponsorship from local residents, who were so impressed that Gabriella was making a difference to improve her local area, even in bad weather.

“There were over four bags of rubbish collected in total. The strangest items were a Baby Shark helium balloon and a pair of maths compasses. Unfortunately the most common items were cans and face masks.

“Most importantly, however, Gabriella had fun and was happy that she was able to help the environment and protect the local wildlife during half- term while raising money for Anstey Junior School.”