Families are paying tribute to the refuse collection teams who are continuing their rounds during the coronavirus outbreak.

Messages of thanks have been placed in windows and with bins that have been put out in Maidstone and the surrounding areas.

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Jennifer Shepherd, head of environment and public realm at Maidstone Borough Council, said: “Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to create lovely pictures and written such kind words. They are so appreciated and really lifting everyone's spirits.

"It is so wonderful to see these messages of thanks for our essential workers who are doing an amazing job. We are pinning them to our noticeboards for all the workers to see. This is happening all over the borough, with reports of them from streets and villages everywhere, people are so thoughtful. In such difficult times, it is great to see the warmest side of human nature."

Residents in Staplehurst have been among those keen to show their thanks to refuse collectors during the current crisis.

Local borough councillor Louise Brice said: "They're doing such a brilliant job it's nice we can show our thanks. Staplehurst is an amazing community, and it is my privilege to serve as one of their local Councillors. We wanted to thank our refuse collectors and show them our support at this difficult time for everyone."

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