THIS was the scene yesterday as family, friends and colleagues gathered at a cemetery in Worcester to say farewell to a much-loved bin man who has died.

A bin lorry accompanied the hearse to Astwood Cemetery for the funeral of Garry Perkins, who died aged 52.

As the lorry approached the crematorium, Tina Turner’s ‘Simply the Best’ was playing as dozens of mourners came to pay their respects.

A message saying “Garry Perkins RIP” was emblazoned on the side of the lorry.

A driver, Mr Perkins was known to many people locally as Alfie or Perko, and died after a short illness.

Mr Perkins, who was born and bred in Worcester, worked for Worcester City Council for more than 20 years and was a familiar face throughout the city.

He leaves his wife Sharon and two children, Charlotte and Samuel.

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Kevin Haines, refuse team supervisor for the city council, paid tribute to Mr Perkins, his work and approach to life.

He said: “Garry was hard working, reliable and friendly.

“He always had a smile on his face and would do anything for anyone.

“He could fix anything, drive anything and nothing was too much for him.

“He regularly maintained gardens, tools and small plant for lots of Worcester people.

“Garry was a proud straight-talking man and always stood up for what he believed was right.

“He never held back and always spoke his mind.

“He will be greatly missed by all his friends, colleagues and staff.

“He was 100 per cent a gentleman and 100 per cent a bin man.

“Garry was one of the best and it was an absolute pleasure to have known him.”

As a result of Mr Perkin’s funeral, bin collections in the city on November 14 were limited.

Any bins that were not collected on November 14 should still be out for 7am on Saturday, November 16, when the bins will be collected as normal.