The mother of a three-year-old boy said having a good old chinwag with a group of bin men is the highlight of his week.

There is nothing little Roman Matthews from Mill End enjoys more than a natter with the refuse collection team who come around each week – preferably while wearing his hi-vis vest with “Boss” written on the back.

Hillingdon Times:

The Three Rivers bin men gave Roman the vest on his birthday last year, together with an orange bin lorry which the toddler’s mother Bethany said has not left his side.

In February, Roman visited the bin lorry depot to receive more presents from S&B Commercials and Mercedes-Benz, including a replica refuse vehicle and a ride on a real lorry.

Hillingdon Times:

Roman’s mother said: “He gets very excited when he can hear the refuse lorry pulling up and always goes out to greet the men. He’s seen the new collection vehicles and thinks they are amazing.”

His grandad added: “Thanks for what you all have done for my grandson - he loved it.”

Malcolm Clarke, waste and environment manager, said: “We are delighted that Roman thinks so highly of our team members and gets so much pleasure from seeing them at work. Our crews do such a splendid job regardless of adverse weather conditions.”

Cllr Alex Michaels, lead member of environment, added: “We are very proud of our crew and this demonstrates just how much they care about our community. I am glad we have invested in updating our vehicles. This will ensure we continue to provide an excellent service for all our residents.”