An Ipswich five-year-old boy is on a mission to help animals and the environment, one bug at a time.

After watching a nature documentary at his school, Sprites Primary Academy, Lucas Dine came home "sobbing" about the state of the environment.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lucas with his bug hotelLucas with his bug hotel (Image: Kate Dine)

His mum Kate Dine said the film, How does plastic end up in the ocean, made her five-year-old take action.

"He got very upset watching it," the 34-year-old said. "He was distressed about animals that are getting cut up by plastic and dying."

East Anglian Daily Times: Eddie and Lucas have been out litter picking in the Chantry areaEddie and Lucas have been out litter picking in the Chantry area (Image: Kate Dine)

So he set about organising litter picking with a school friend, Eddie, who was similarly inspired.

"I am proud of all of them," his mum, a teaching assistant at the Bridge School for special needs, said. "They are wonderful children. All the kids are superstars, not just him."

East Anglian Daily Times: Summer and Lucas have also been out litter picking in IpswichSummer and Lucas have also been out litter picking in Ipswich (Image: Kate Dine)

Lucas was also joined by another friend, Summer, for socially distanced litter picks.

During one litter pick, Kate said, a kind member of the Chantry community gave the kids £1 to spend in a local shop for their hard work.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lucas' bug hotel in IpswichLucas' bug hotel in Ipswich (Image: Kate Dine)

"The community is very nice," she added.