Jordan is Mr Sandman as he clears Sandwell alley of ice

Jordan Blakeway, from Cradley Heath, got up early so he could grit the alley close to his home before school.

A picture of the Ormiston Forge Academy pupil hard at work was posted on Sandwell Council's Facebook page and has been 'liked' by more than 16,500 people including people from as far away as China and Denmark.

There are also more than 1,600 comments praising the 15-year-old for his good deed.

"I did not want anyone to fall over and hurt themselves," said Jordan, who gets £5-a-week pocket money and had bought the sand from the supermarket for £10 earlier this year so he could clear his neighbours' driveways.

He said:"It was really slippery at the time, like a thick sheet of glass. I didn't think it was that much of a big deal. I have always helped people."

Jordan noticed the ice near his home in Primrose Close last Monday and called Sandwell Council to report it.

The authority promised to send someone to clear the alley, which is used by elderly residents to get to the nearby train station.

But worried someone could hurt themselves, Jordan got up at 6.30am the following day so he could do it himself. He also returned to the alley after school to break-up the remaining ice.

"Every time it snows I help the old people do their garden so I thought I'd buy the sand so I could do their drives as well," he said.

"I have the rest of the year to spend the money on myself. I normally get a couple of pounds by neighbours for helping so I'm happy with that."

His mother Lisa Blakeway, who posted the pictures on Facebook, said she had been overwhelmed by the response.

"When I saw how many people had liked the picture I was really surprised," said the 34-year-old mother-of-three.

"It's always nice when you get compliments from friends but to get it from strangers, it's been amazing."

She added: "Jordan's not golden but he's so thoughtful. He will help anyone. When I took his photo he was telling me not to. They all love him on the estate. We are so proud."

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