POLITICS has always had its ups and downs - but never quite as marked as this.

The outgoing chairman of Ryedale District Council found himself filling a very different role yesterday - as a refuse collector.

But Robert Wainwright's sudden transition to the bins was only temporary as he experienced what life was like for an employee of the authority.

He had promised to spend a day as a refuse collector in his patch and at 5.30am yesterday he was out collecting waste from local villages.

Councillor Wainwright, who stands down as the council's chairman today, said: "I think it's good for all councillors to know the problems and issues that the men encounter in their work, and this is to get an idea for myself of how they work."

Ryedale's commercial services manager Phil Long said the arrangement had been made so Coun Wainwright could work a shift alongside the staff and he thought they would be pleased to have an extra pair of hands.

He said: "We have always had a lot of support from Coun Wainwright. He has been very much a part of the team.

"I just hope he doesn't demand a pay rise."