REFUSE collectors employed by a North-East council have scooped up another top accolade after Government watchdogs found the service was the best they had seen.

The Audit Commission's Best Value Service gave Gateshead Borough Council's combined refuse collection and disposal service a two-star good service mark.

A council spokesman said the star rating was the best given to a refuse collection and disposal service across the country, and followed an eight-month inspection.

Every week, the council's 100-strong refuse team and contractors collect and dispose of refuse from almost 90,000 homes.