Northamptonshire crew is named the country’s best Date: 14-05-2010 The team, known as Round 2, is one of ten collection crews that work at Cory Environmental for East Northamptonshire Council. They beat off a record number of entries from both the commercial sector and local authorities to scoop the award at a ceremony in the Landmark Hotel, Marylebone, London. Brothers, Simon and Michael Wallace and Richard Savage, who make up the team and collect from 12,000 properties in Higham Ferrers, Rushden, Thrapston and Raunds every week, were commended for their low number of accidents and missed collections. The award recognises the high quality of service and performance of the crew, such as the low level of missed bins and complaints. Praise was also received for the team’s fundraising for local six year old Zac Knighton, who has a rare form of cancer. The team first met Zac during their collection round and he looks out for their truck every week. Last year, the crew appeared in the Evening Telegraph after organising a 120 mile sponsored bike ride, from Higham Ferrers to Great Yarmouth, to raise money for Zac’s specialist treatment abroad. They managed to raise more than £1,500 and followed this up by supporting a 2010 fund raising calendar, organised by Zac’s family. Cory Contract Manager, Vincent Kilby, said: “Mick, Simon and Richard are a real credit to the operation. In particular, the support they have given to the family of young Zac on their round, raising funds for the Cherished Cousins Appeal, has been outstanding.” The awards event, hosted by Letsrecycle.com, was presented by Huw Edwards, journalist and broadcaster of the Ten O’clock News, and Jane Stephenson MBE, Chief Executive of Resources Future as a guest speaker. Commenting on the crew’s achievement, Councillor Glenn Harwood MBE, Lead Member for Environmental Services, said: “This award, which is keenly contested throughout the country, recognises the dedication, commitment and consistently high levels of service provided by the Cory Environmental Round 2 team of Simon, Michael and Richard. They are clearly a team who are prepared to put in the ‘extra mile’ - be that as a refuse collection crew or when they are cycling in support of Zac Knighton-Smith. A great result, congratulations Round 2."

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