FROM pirate hats to rubber ducks, Eco Ernie the recycling milk float has been collecting unusual items for five years.

Tomorrow will mark its milestone with a big sort and Ernie-themed birthday cake at the Central Baptist Church, in Devonshire Road, Southampton, at 12.15pm.

Ernie started life in 2009 as a Solent University scheme to keep the Polygon area free of rubbish, while raising funds for local charities. Last year, Ernie and its team of volunteers collected 300 bags of reusable textiles, and this year the team hopes to sort out even more. The sorted items are usually sold the next day at the church or donated to charities.

Amber Wilson, of Solent University, said: “Ernie is loved by the local community.”