TRIBUTES have been paid to "hardworking, reliable and friendly" bin man who has died aged 52.

Worcester waste collection service driver Garry Perkins, aged 52, who was known to many people locally as Alfie or Perko, has died after a short illness.

Mr Perkins, who was born and bred in Worcester, worked for Worcester City Council for more than 20 years and was a familiar face throughout the city.

Kevin Haines, refuse team supervisor for the city council, paid tribute to Mr Perkins, his work and approach to life.

He said: “Garry was hard working, reliable and friendly.

"He always had a smile on his face and would do anything for anyone. He could fix anything, drive anything and nothing was too much for him.

"He regularly maintained gardens, tools and small plant for lots of Worcester people.

“Garry was a proud straight-talking man and always stood up for what he believed was right. He never held back and always spoke his mind. He will be greatly missed by all his friends, colleagues and staff.

“He was 100 per cent a gentleman and 100 per cent a bin man.

"Garry was one of the best and it was an absolute pleasure to have known him.”

Mr Perkins leaves his wife Sharon and two children, Charlotte and Samuel.

His funeral service will take place at Worcester Cremation on Thursday, November 14 at 3.15pm. A refuse truck will follow the hearse to Worcester Crematorium.

As a result of Mr Perkin's funeral, bin collections in the city tomorrow (November 14) will be limited.

Residents whose bin is usually collected on a Thursday are asked to put them out as normal. If the bin is not collected by the end of the day, it should be out for 7am on Saturday (November 16) when the bins will be collected.