A TEAM of street cleaners has been praised for going above and beyond the call of duty.

District council chiefs say Richmondshire would be "knee deep in muck" were it not for the dedication of the 14 members of the street cleaning unit.

The team has also received recognition for its high standards and efficiency from the Audit Commission.

Contracting services unit manager Mike Slee said: "If they just worked the shift patterns they were contracted to, Richmondshire would be knee deep in muck.

"They go above and beyond the call of duty on numerous occasions throughout the year.

"Like the rest of the contracting services unit, they are flexible and do anything that is asked of them with a good heart."

The team provides a 24-hour service to the district.

The workers pick-up litter, clean toilets and clear up after road accidents.

They also clean rubbish left by weekend drinkers in town centres.

Street cleaner John Soulsby said: "We get called out at all times of the day and night to clean up blood or an oil spillage after an accident.

"Most of this job is done on goodwill; nobody is in it to get rich."

Members of the team say they get disheartened with the public's attitude to rubbish.

Roy Burne said: "You can pick up litter on a stretch of road, go back two hours later and it is just as bad.

"You do ask yourself why you bother.

"Richmond on a Sunday morning is a terrible mess. There's sick, broken glass and takeaway boxes everywhere."