Meet the 87-year-old TikTok campaigner on a mission to clean up West Yorkshire's streets
‘Anyone can make a difference’
An unlikely social media star has racked up half a million views with his drive to clean up West Yorkshire’s communities.
Thomas Black, an 87-year-old environmental campaigner from Ilkley, has just released a new short film encouraging people to clean up their streets, and he’s hoping it will go viral.
This latest project features Thomas alongside his granddaughter and pupils from a local school, highlighting how intergenerational collaboration can help inspire change.
Thomas, a retired businessman and long-standing anti-litter advocate, has previously produced three anti-litter films, which together have attracted more than half a million views online.
He continues to campaign for cleaner streets and public spaces, using social media platforms like TikTok to reach a wider audience.
“Litter isn’t just unsightly – it harms wildlife, damages our countryside, and ultimately costs communities money to clean up,” Thomas said.
“Education and awareness are key to changing attitudes, and involving young people in this film shows that anyone, at any age, can make a difference.”
Reflecting on the success of his previous work, Thomas added: “I may be 87, not exactly a social media influencer! But if this one inspires just one person to make a change then that’s more than enough for me.”
The film is now available on YouTube and the ‘No One Likes A Tosser’ social media channels, aiming to encourage families, schools, and communities to take greater pride in their local environment.
“My motivation is simple,” said Thomas. “I may be 87, but I still care deeply about the world we’re leaving for future generations.”