BACK in 1966, today's fortnightly refuse collections would have been branded rubbish'.

For when Barnoldswick's only two refuse vehicle drivers went down with spring flu, ambulance drivers rushed to the rescue.

And it was a case of first (class) aid for the town's dustbins.

The ambulancemen volunteered to step into the breach, working on their days off to help keep a collection going. John Brewer, Barnoldswick Council's public health inspector, said: "Without them the town would have been completely lost and the service would have come to a stop."

Ambulance superintendent Ted George was modest about his men's actions: "Our lads have helped to keep the wheels of the health department turning and I think it is a good thing."

Among the men who became makeshift dustbin men were shift leader Fred Dolphin, of James Street, Earby; and Joe Moran, of Gisburn Street, Barnoldswick.