Christmas Cambridgeshire binman delivers a smile

Martin HeathBBC News, Cambridgeshire
News imageSouth Cambs DC Man with big Christmas crown and red costume covered with lights and other decorations stands in front of a bin lorrySouth Cambs DC
Lenny Edward wants to make "the spirit of Christmas shine bright" on his rounds

A bin collector has been spotted spreading some festive cheer while on his rounds.

Lenny Edward, 57, has caused a stir in Cambridgeshire by covering his normal orange hi-vis outfit with tinsel, lights and other decorations.

He has been delivering his shiny seasonal treat to residents for the last seven years.

Mr Edward said he wants to "bring a smile to people's faces" so that "the spirit of Christmas shines bright".

News imageSouth Cambs DC Bearded man in red festive costume with "Merry Christmas" on his hat, standing in a streetSouth Cambs DC
Lenny Edward has been wearing his festive outfit every Christmas for seven years

Mr Edward, who works for the Greater Cambridge Shared Waste Service (GCSWS), has added even more lights to his uniform for this year's display.

There are 700 LEDs attached to the outfit. On the back of his jacket, there are hand-knitted bears crafted by his wife Pru.

He said: "It certainly turns a few heads and brings a smile to people's faces."

GCSWS has confirmed the festive outfit is "risk assessed before he takes to the streets to ensure both he and members of the public are safe".

News imageSouth Cambs DC Bearded man with Merry Christmas hat and tinsel around his coatSouth Cambs DC
Lenny Edward has attached 700 LED lights to his costume

Mr Edward has been spotted in places like Cambourne and Arbury and prompted a lot of comment on the Odd Things Around Cambridge Facebook group.

One man reported that "literally he and his team have just rocked up - LEGEND!"

Another contributor added: "I love the knitted bits. All home made!", and a woman in Arbury added: "He was brilliant with a smile for us all".

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