You wouldn’t expect a retired company chairman of 87 to be going around telling young people, and we quote: ’No one loves a tosser’. Especially not on Tik Tok.
But that’s just what Thomas Black, former joint chair of Peter Black Holdings, a footwear and accessories giant which employed over 1,000 people in Keighley, Yorks, has been doing.
The long-standing anti-litter advocate has recently produced his fourth short film promoting community pride and responsible behaviour. His latest sees him alongside his granddaughter and pupils from a local school, highlighting how intergenerational collaboration can help inspire change.
Thomas has previously produced three successful anti-litter films, which together have attracted more than half a million views online. Despite his age, he continues to campaign passionately 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,” said Thomas. “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.”
“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.”
Thomas recently went further by sponsoring Litter Free Awards which resulted in several accolades being handed out by local MP Robbie Moore, himself an ardent anti-litter campaigner, in a ceremony organised by Litter Free Ilkley.
Winners included the River Worth Friends, who received the Protection of Waterways Award.
Last year alone the group cleared 695 bags of litter as well as larger items – including bikes, tyres, shopping trolleys, traffic cones, mattresses and fencing panels – from the river
Mr Moore said: “We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to all litter pickers – those who volunteer with a community group, and also individuals who collect litter independently whilst out and about.
“Cleaning up litter is immensely appreciated and it helps restore pride in local communities, protects the environment and makes areas safer.”
For those interested in learning more, Thomas has also written a book on the subject
