Countesthorpe streets lined for funeral of 'proud binman'
Alex HannamA council has thanked residents for leaving their bins out early so refuse collectors could attend the funeral of a "popular" member of their team.
Lee Percival, from Ratby, who died from cancer aged 53, drove one of Blaby District Council's refuse and recycling lorries in Leicestershire.
Crew members lined the streets as the cortège passed through Countesthorpe.
His niece Heather Bate said he was a "proud binman" and loved his colleagues and the residents on his routes.
Blaby District Council thanked well wishers and those who "popped their bin out that little bit earlier" after it appealed for help earlier in the week.
Family photoIn a Facebook post the authority has said it was "devastated" to hear of Mr Percival's death and asked for help from residents so the "entire crew could pay their respects" at his funeral in Countesthorpe.
"Whether it was having tea with an elderly resident, or letting an excited youngster sit in the lorry, nothing was too much trouble [for Lee Percival]," it said.
Mr Percival's daughter Amyleigh said he was her best friend who had a "big heart" and said the actions of his colleagues were a comfort for the whole family.
Alex HannamHis wife Julie said he was "caring, selfless and thoughtful" while Mr Percival's brother Tony said he was "amazing" to him and his two other siblings.
Ms Bate said: "When he started working for Blaby on the bins [five years ago] I remember him telling my Mum how much he loved his job and new friends.
"He was proud to work as a binman and I am over the moon that his colleagues will be a part of the funeral."
