Schoolboy Sam Poland has been swept into a child labour storm after trying to earn pocket money by tackling his village's litter.
The 11-year-old, dubbed "litter-boy" by classmates, has been hired by his parish council to clean the streets for £5 a week.
But Sam could be forced to stop picking up litter in Mayfield, near Crowborough, after county councillors declared his work illegal.
Sam said: "I get angry when I find people dropping rubbish. Cleaning up after them has made me realise how selfish it is.
"I saw the job advertised in my brother's primary school newsletter and thought it would be a good way to earn some money. I think it's important for young people to take an interest in where they live.
Sam is employed by the village parish council and is a well-known figure around the streets. He spends five hours a week after lessons and at weekends beating the litter bugs who dump drink cans and crisp packets.
But the county council said the work was illegal and should be stopped.
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