Leeds student who created Woodhouse Moor bin bag dispenser rewarded with £100 bar tab and 'keys to the city'

Jack Colmer, of Leeds Beckett University, decided to take action after seeing the shocking photos of a litter-strewn Woodhouse Moor during the hot weather last week.

The bin bag dispenser holds six rolls at a time - and includes a handy beer bottle opener.

The 22-year-old final year student made it using some scrap wood while "fed up at home".

Now he's been rewarded with a £100 tab at nearby cafe, bar and arts venue Hyde Park Book Club (HPBC) as part of 'the people's key to the city' - a new initiative to recognise positive acts in the city of Leeds.

Jack said: "It would be great to share it with my mates once we are allowed back in pubs."

On the wider reaction to his good deed, he added: "It’s been crazy - I genuinely didn’t expect such a positive reaction, I just wanted people to be aware that there were now some bin bags in Hyde Park to tackle the issue of litter.

"But it’s had a great response both on Facebook and LinkedIn and, fingers crossed, now we can get the ball rolling where we can provide some more permanent solutions for the parks.

"A bigger bonus if this could spread to other cities, as this isn’t something that only happens in Leeds."

Jack Simpson, co-owner of HPBC, and Emma Bearman, of Playful Anywhere, were chatting about Jack's efforts.

Mr Simpson said: "We just thought a) it was great - a really civic act and b) was something we could really champion.

"We could highlight it and shed extra light on a positive response to the littering."

They launched a social media appeal to track the student down and have since chatted to him.

Mr Simpson added: "We both love the ways people have stepped up this last year to show civic spirit. So we thought this act warranted something a bit extra.

"I suggested a tab at HPBC and Emma suggested the key to the city. It just came together really.

"Hopefully we’ll do more going forward. It’s just nice to see people getting on with it, doing good things for others, not waiting for others."

Mr Simpson added: "Obviously the littering is an issue. But on the whole the young people in the area have been great.

"The littering got a lot of bad press. But it’s important to talk about how great they are too I think."

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