Boy, 11, to have bin lorry named after him

Jerome has been a big bin lorry fan since he was two years old

An 11-year-old boy who has been "obsessed" with bin lorries since he was a toddler is set to have a truck named after him.

Jerome was invited to ride in one of Erewash Borough Council's brand new lorries during the February half-term break.

He also got to sit behind the wheel of the vehicle - the latest addition to the authority's fleet - and was invited to press the button at the back to see a wheelie bin being lifted.

The authority said Jerome, his sister Rose, and their mum Bridget were then taken for a spin in the lorry - to the nearby dump - before he was told it would bear his name.

'Pride of place'

The Brackenfield SEND School pupil was given the tour after Bridget got in touch with the council.

According to the authority, Jerome has a collection of around a dozen toy lorries, plays games by emptying containers he dots around his Ilkeston home, and even waits at the window on bin days for dust crews to turn up.

"It's been going on since he was aged around two," Bridget added.

"He has even recorded videos of bin days, which he watches on his iPad, along with YouTube films of lorries tipping rubbish at the dump."

It was on his return to the depot on Quarry Hill Industrial Estate that the youngster was informed that the council's refuse trucks all have names - and that the new one will be called Jerome.

Mark Alfrey, lead member for environment at Erewash Borough Council, said: "The name will take pride of place on the front of the new truck.

"We urge residents to keep an eye out for 'Jerome The Bin Lorry' as it does its rounds."