A dedicated litter picker has hit out at people who leave their rubbish strewn around the community.

Children’s author Glenn McLernon spoke out as tourism website group  www.visitpetersfield.co.uk was celebrating  its first birthday.

Mr McLernon highlighted the state of the roads around the A272 Winchester Road services and the A3 – and his sentiments have been supported by many among Petersfield’s army of litter pickers.

“I did a bit of litter picking on the A3 but there’s only so much you can do,” said Mr McLernon.

“All this litter is such a shame because it’s a lovely town.

“What must visitors think? It’s shameful.”

His comments come as East Hampshire District Council has undergone a successful Big Spring Clean to try to tidy up the area and its verges.