A REFUSE collection driver has come to the rescue of a woman who lost her handbag in a wheelie bin.

Wendy Grainger, who lives on the Newham Grange Estate, in Stockton, Teesside, lost her bag after accidentally putting it in the bin.

She called Stockton Borough Council's cleaning team and got in touch with Steve Cooper, who had the task of sorting through the bags at the recycling centre in the town's Yarm Road.

Mrs Grainger said: "I cannot believe they managed to find my bag.

"It took them almost four hours and I am very grateful as, despite being wide open, everything was still in there, although it was a bit smelly."

A few months ago, Mr Cooper retrieved another resident's purse after it was accidentally put in the rubbish.

His action resulted in him being interviewed by television presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan.

He said: "I do not know whether I am lucky or unlucky as this has happened to me twice now.

"I suppose I must be lucky though because we have managed to find the lady's purse each time."