EMPTYING the bins used to be a man's job - but two women are fast proving that theory to be a load of rubbish.

In a traditionally male-dominated environment, Maxine Doble and Diane McMurray are adding a touch of glamour to Bolton Council's refuse collection team.

And the new additions are proving a big hit with residents and male colleagues alike, by demonstrating that whatever the blokes can do, they can do better.

Maxine, aged 40, works as a loader and has been doing the job for 12 months.

She said: "I would recommend it to anyone. It's a good laugh and we get on great with the men.

"We get the odd comment from blokes who obviously approve of a bit of talent on the rounds, but it makes our day!"

Diane, aged 41, is a driver and spends the day manoeuvring the lorry around the streets of Bolton.

She said: "I can do this job as well as any man. It can be quite demanding and physical and there's a lot of walking involved.

"It makes a change from seeing a lot of hairy blokes driving the vehicles.

"Hopefully, it'll mean that we'll get some above average tips at Christmas!"

Gordon Schofield, of the Gargrave Estate, Johnson Fold, is one of a host of admirers who have been impressed with the bin ladies' handiwork.

He said: "I was a bit taken aback when I first saw them. But they got on with the job enthusiastically and handled that waggon with no trouble at all."

"They're certainly as good as any of the blokes and are willing to get her hands dirty.

"It's quite a sight watching them cornering like a lunchtime waitress. It's excellent."

And their boss, Joe Harris, was quick to sing the praise of his all-action bin ladies.

He said: "They've settled in really quickly and give as good as they get in the banter stakes.

"They do a full day's work and are always ready to do extra hours to help the others out."

"They've made such a good impression that many of the blokes are asking for them to work on their rounds.

"Gender is not an issue here and we would encourage more women to come down and give us a go."