recycling crew to the rescue

When June Dolton fell and tripped outside her home two weeks ago in Gordon Road, Lancing, it was recycling man Chris Thornber who was on hand to save the day. June explained: "I saw the recycling van outside and I went out and said: 'You're not coming until tomorrow', and Chris said: "No, we're here today'.

"So I came back in to get the box and I tripped and all I can remember was shouting: 'Help me!'

"Chris picked me up, he came in and phoned the ambulance, then he phoned Derek (June's husband). Then I asked him to phone a friend because I was going to a club and I could not get there."

It was at this point that Chris was joined by the other two members of the team, Stuart Ballard and Roy Neal, who were wondering what had happened to their colleague. They waited until the ambulance arrived and June was taken to Worthing Hospital for treatment. She had X-rays and a brain scan and was given five stitches in her head. June also had difficulty focusing one of her eyes after the accident.

"I came out of hospital on Friday night and I got the biggest shock on Saturday morning there was a big bouquet of flowers from Chris and the boys. I could not believe it. I cannot thank the boys enough the flowers were the biggest shock of my life! Chris deserves a medal."

The three-man crew work throughout Adur and are one of two recycling teams working for Adur Council.