VIDEO: Ailing Joshua Smith (3) cheered by special visit from New Forest District Council refuse truck to Marchwood home

A YOUNG boy nursing a broken leg got a thrill when a New Forest District Council refuse truck stopped by to cheer him up.

Joshua Smith was thrilled by the surprise visit to his Marchwood home, which was specially organised after his dad, Carl, contacted NFDC and revealed his son's fascination with the trucks.

Dave Wheeler-Osman, NFDC waste and recycling supervisor, said: "The team recognise Joshua as he gives them a wave from the window every week and so we were only too happy to spend a few minutes showing him the wagon."

Carl said: "It’s such a shame Joshua has broken his leg as he usually helps me carry the rubbish bags to the front of our house, and the truck coming is always the first thing he talks about when he gets up. He has lots of toy trucks, and one is just like this one."

Joshua was shown around the truck and the driver’s cabin, and he and his dad got to press the green button which crushes the sacks in the back, before the crew presented him with a get-well card and his very own NFDC cap.

Carl added: "We never forget when the rubbish has to go out, as Joshua tells us ‘it’s bin day!’ every Wednesday."

Refuse lorry fans can download a colouring-in sheet from NFDC’s website at https://newforest.gov.uk/rubbish