INSPIRED by The Gazette's Litter - Let's Bin It initiative, Julian Burke has mounted his own one-man campaign to clear up a neglected local beauty spot.

Mr Burke, of Augustus Drive, Roman Park, Basingstoke, spent months walking his dog Suzie through woodland behind the hospital in constant dismay at the amount of rubbish dumped there.

As well as the usual beer cans and plastic wrappers, Mr Burke regularly walked past rusting bike frames, an old scooter, an oil drum, and even an abandoned lamppost.

He said he also noticed women's handbags lying on the ground, which looked as though they had been stolen and dumped there.

Mr Burke, 48, explained: "It really is quite threatening. There are the remains of about half a dozen campsites, and the campers have just left tons of rubbish.

"As I was walking the other day, I saw a man standing outside a tent with an air rifle. I can understand why it's become a no-go area."

Mr Burke said that although the litter irritated him, he had never considered clearing it up himself - that was until he read about The Gazette's campaign.

He said: "I'd always thought it was the council's job. But The Gazette's campaign has kicked me into action. I am hoping that by clearing up all the litter and making it half decent, the woods will be suitable for people to walk in again.

"As strange as it sounds, I am finding it quite therapeutic and fulfilling. I feel I am doing something worthwhile."

Mr Burke, who lives with his wife Gill, their two sons and their eldest son's fianc, has gradually worked his way through most of the woodland, collecting sack upon sack of litter.

From small beginnings, filling a single bin bag while walking Suzie, Mr Burke has increased his litter picking so much that last weekend he drove his estate car down to the woods and loaded five black sacks into the boot.

Mr Burke, who works as a business analyst for the Royal Bank of Scotland, has spent around 20 hours clearing the debris from the woods and has collected 17 black sacks full of rubbish so far. He has also created two piles of metal objects dumped in the woods, and said he hoped the council would be able to take it away.

He said: "I think there is so much litter around the town. It's a real shame because Basingstoke is a brilliant town. It really is a town to be proud of - except for the litter."

Mr Burke said he would continue working his way through all the woodland surrounding the hospital grounds to clear up all of the litter from the area.

Praising Mr Burke's efforts, Gazette editor Mark Jones said: "It is great that The Gazette's Litter - Let's Bin It campaign has inspired Mr Burke to take action. We look forward to highlighting the excellent work being done by other unsung heroes who are doing their bit to tackle the litter issue in our community."