ENVIRONMENTAL Champion this year, sponsored by Blandy & Blandy solicitors, is Wokingham resident Jennifer Spratley.
Nominated by her friends, Jean Taylor and Petra Eckert, she knew nothing about her award until the moment her name was called.
At 86 years young, Jennifer grew up in the town, and walks daily in the borough.
Noticing how many of its green spaces were impacted by littering, she decided to do something about what she saw.
Armed with a grabber and a bag, she began to collect, recycle and dispose of litter that she finds on her routes, and is a volunteer with Wokingham’s Greener and Cleaner scheme.
“She battles daily to keep Wokingham as tidy as she can,” said her friends.
“She never leaves home without a carrier bag in her pocket, even if she’s just nipped out to the shops, or to a friend, and she collects several bags of litter a week.”
Jean and Petra managed to keep the award a complete secret from their friend.
Jenny said: “It was wonderful – and a huge surprise.
“I was bewildered because I thought I was just here to support Jean getting an award, because she does a huge amount in the community.
“Litter has always bugged me.
“I can’t bear it, and I just have to pick it up whenever I see it.
“Winning this award means that I will continue to do more of what I do, but even more enthusiastically.”
