AFTER years of early morning rambles along Andover streets which led to a commendation from the Prime Minister for her work, Andover’s most famous litterpicker has called it a day and put down her equipment.

On her 69th birthday Manuela Wahnon says she has collected her last bag of litter from the town’s streets and it is up to others to follow her example and do their bit to fight the rising tide of rubbish.

On Tuesday morning a team of well-wishers gathered outside the Guildhall at 7am to join her on her last early-morning patrol, and after a very damp session in the pouring rain, joined her for a celebratory birthday breakfast courtesy of The Star and Garter.

The team consisted of councillors, business people and friends anxious to show their support.

Manuela was presented with orchids by the leader of Test Valley Borough Council Ian Carr and environment portfolio holder councillor Graham Stannard.

There was also cllr Brian Page who was supportive as mayor when Manuela first set out on her litter picking tours of the town in 2008 – highlighted by the Andover Advertiser at the time.

Manuela said: “I’d like to thank everyone for their support and the presents, which were fabulous.

“Yesterday was a fantastic finale to my work and, if anything, it was enhanced by the rain which bonded us together.

“I’ve enjoyed the experience of campaigning but now the time has come to move on to new ways of promoting the attitude of gratitude.”