A binman from Mansfield is showing residents that the force is with them in the fight against coronavirus - by dressing up as a stormtrooper on his collection rounds.
Barry Snowdon, 52, usually supports Mansfield District Council's street cleansing team but, due to the current pandemic, has been offering his hand to the waste collectors.
Mr Snowdon, who has worked at the council for 15 years and is well known in the local community, dresses up as Santa Claus in Warsop during the Christmas period.
However, the council worker swapped the sleigh for the death star by dressing up in the popular Star Wars outfit - all in the hope of "giving something back" during the pandemic.
"This was our way of giving something back after the overwhelming response we’ve had from the public over the past few weeks", he said.
"We had such a lovely reaction from people when they spotted a stormtrooper emptying their bin.
"We’re pleased we’ve been able to raise a smile or a wave, particularly off children, at this difficult time.
"Thank you to everyone who has left notes, treats, thank you cards and drawings on their bins.
"It’s a real boost for crews to know their hard work is appreciated by the residents of Mansfield."
Mr Snowdon won a local hero award in 2008 and a national Council Worker of the Year award in 2009, after twice coming to the aid of the public.
He caught a handbag thief in Warsop in 2007, before putting out a fire in a vehicle that was carrying gas canisters and parked beside a petrol station in summer 2008.
The council hero, who wanted to wear a costume that children could "relate to", adds that it was "a little warm" in the sunshine.
"I chose to dress as a stormtrooper because I wanted something that children would relate to", he said.
"But it needed to be a costume that wouldn’t get in the way of my work and would enable me to continue wearing the necessary safety equipment.
"It was a little warm wearing the costume in the sunshine but it was worth it for the public reaction."
Other council workers have since dressed up in popular superhero items, including Batman, during rounds in Warsop on April 15.
