Wagons rolled for the last time from a council depot on Friday.

And no-one was feeling down in the dumps as 25 refuse wagons drove out of the Warrenby Depot, Redcar, which has been operational headquarters for 30 years.

The crews will be based in a more worker-friendly setting, at Fairway House, Dormanstown.

Coun Bob Stanway, member for environmental improvement with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, told a recent council meeting: "The staff at Warrenby deserve a special mention. They have worked tirelessly to respond to the demands in adverse conditions and without complaint.

"That's why I'm delighted to see the closure of Warrenby - the move to Fairway House can't come soon enough."

The Warrenby depot is to be converted into a recycling centre to help to keep pace with growing demands. While many people across the borough are separating their rubbish for recycling, Coun Stanway said: "We still have much to do - as many householders are still confused or not participating."

About 70 per cent of waste deposited at Warrenby is being recycled.