BIG-HEARTED binmen will donate a day's wages to a Basildon hospice.

The promise came from trade union chiefs after a deal was brokered to get refuse collectors to work in Billericay on Saturday - four days later than normal.

The town was originally due to have its rubbish collected by Basildon Council last Tuesday, but this was put back to Wednesday following nationwide local authority strikes over pensions.

However, this agreement was vetoed by Unison officials, who claimed Finally, following a series of negotiations, Unison agreed to allow its 63 binmen to work on Saturday giving them the option to donate their wages to St Luke's Hospice, in Nethermayne.

Unison's Basildon branch secretary, Maddie Lock, said the move showed the community spirit of union members.