A hero-pensioner known for his litter picking endurance walks has been approached to be on BBC Radio 4’s Sideways series.

After a previous article in this paper about Norman Smith, a 79-year-old who has walked 83,650 miles over 27 years and 6,404 walking days, a producer working on the BBC Radio 4 documentary series reached out asking for Mr Smith’s contact details.

The producer, Pippa Smith, said: “Each episode explores a different story and then examines the ideas underpinning it with a view to giving listeners a different perspective or lesson about seeing the world differently.

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“I’m currently researching an episode about the role of older people in our society and how a sense of purpose helps shape these years.

“I came across an article in the Bicester Advertiser about Norman Smith and his recognition for community activity in the area.

“It sounds like walking has been a huge passion and purpose for him and it would be great to speak with him about this.”

Mr Smith claims he has managed to walk the equivalent of half-way around the world litter-picking around Bicester.

He first started walking as a hobby when he was 51 after joining The Ramblers Association based in Banbury and the Long Distance Walking Association later on.

The walker from Bicester would take part in all sorts of challenges including walking 100 miles in just 48 hours.

He started litter-picking after being made aware of a litter problem in Bicester seven years ago.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1