REFUSE collectors and street cleaners have been recognised at a special awards evening.

Wychavon District Council recognised the work of employees of FOCSA, the company responsible for its refuse collection, recycling and street cleaning contracts.

Community service awards were presented to Roger Alford for street cleaning and Mick Vernon for refuse collection. An exceptional service award went to Adrian Taylor for work during last July's floods and 13 members of staff received long service awards for 15 years of work.

A lifetime dedication award was presented to Jenny Durkin, who has worked for FOCSA since 1991. Before that she worked at Wychavon when refuse and recycling services were in-house.

Sharon Casswell, the council's client services manager, said: "These awards are a recognition of the staff's hard work. On behalf of the council I'd like to thank all FOCSA employees and we look forward to many more years of a successful partnership."