A beloved road sweeper in Beckenham is set for the trip of a lifetime to Portugal, thanks to a generous fundraiser campaign that raised thousands with the help of the community.

Since 2017, Paul Spiers has brightened the neighbourhood with his cheerful presence, upbeat music from his portable speaker, and impeccable street-cleaning skills.

In celebration of his 63rd birthday today (August 6) more than 150 contributors came together to fund his long-awaited return to Portugal.

Paul told the News Shopper: “I am blown away; I did not expect anything like this.

“I’d like to thank every single person who has donated and to Lisa Knight, who set up the page.

“I can’t express my love for Lisa enough.”

Lisa Knight, local resident and branch manager at John D Wood & Co. on Beckenham High Street, told the News Shopper she created the fundraising page after noticing Paul work through the boiling heat during the heatwave.

She told the News Shopper: “Every day at five o'clock, no matter how you're feeling, Paul has Elvis playing.

“I love Elvis because my name is Lisa Marie, and the music always perks you up.

“I saw him on Monday, and it was super-hot that day, so I asked how he was managing to work in the heat.

“He said his birthday was on Tuesday and that he was saving up to go to Portugal because he’d only been once and wanted to go back.

“That’s when I thought of creating the GoFundMe.”

In just over one week, Lisa and the community have raised more than £2,600 for Paul’s trip, which is above the target of £2,000.

You can donate to the GoFundMe here.

On Wednesday (August 7), Paul, his brother, and Lisa, will be heading to travel agent TUI to book the highly anticipated holiday.

Paul and his brother abroad for his 60th (Image: Paul Spiers) Paul said: “I went to Portugal on my 60th birthday, as my brother and sister paid for it, and it was the first time in 60 years I had been abroad.

“We’re booking the trip for next year; I am going with my brother and will be taking the lead.

“I really did not think the GoFundMe would raise so much money.”

Lisa added: “It’s been so, so lovely, I can’t believe it – some people have even donated £100.

“There’s been loads of people who have donated that I recognise as I live in Beckenham too.

“Paul is such a sweet man, and he takes so much pride in his work.

“He works through the hot and cold days, yet he always is so happy and says hello to everybody.”