A schoolboy obsessed with bin lorries was delighted when one turned up to take him out for a spin on his birthday.
Jack Gibbon, aged seven, was kitted out with his very own high-vis vest and gloves, given a tour of the lorry and the chance to sit in the driver seat as a bin was collected.
The youngster, who was diagnosed with autism last year, was treated to the special birthday surprise after aunt Pamela, 36, got in touch with council bosses.
Jack, from Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire, has had an obsession with bin lorries since he was just two-years-old and wants to be a binman when he grows up.
His proud mum Julie, 39, said eco-conscious Jack has a keen interest in recycling and loves bins so much he even takes the neighbour’s bins out for them.
During his birthday surprise, on July 15, Jack was able to quiz driver Jim Easton and community waste officer Susan Shannon about their jobs.
Mum Julie, who works in customer relations, said: “He was in his element.
“At the beginning he was quiet because it takes him a while to warm up to people.
“But towards the end he was asking lots of questions.
“The smile didn’t leave his face. It was such a great experience for him.
“I’m really proud of him. It’s his dream. To see him smile makes us happy.
“They taught him how they empty the bins.
“They also showed him the cameras they use and what each of the other buttons does.
“This started because he loved the different colours of the bins and the interest has never gone away.
“His fascination grew and he really got into recycling, he’s very clued up.
“He knows everything there is to know about recycling, he keeps us right about what goes where.
“When he’s at school he checks the bins and he talks to the janitor.
“He also puts out all my neighbour’s bins.
“He wants to be a binman when he grows up.
“He loved the experience.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone for this and we don’t think he will ever forget it.”