THE latest addition to a council's refuse collection service is proving a hit in rural areas - because it is tiny enough to reach the most remote locations.

Richmondshire District Council's new 3-tonne vehicle is both lower and shorter than the rest of the authority's fleet.

And Julie Toombs, of the council's contracting services unit, said it was already proving more efficient than the pick-up truck with cage, previously used to get down narrow farm tracks.

"The pick-up was not ideal as it had a relatively small capacity and an open top, which meant all rubbish had to be bagged up.

"In contrast, the new vehicle can hold up to a tonne of compacted waste and comes complete with a bin lift. As well as getting out to rural areas, it can also be used for a variety of other small scale tasks, such as emptying the 90 litter bins around Richmond."

Lynn Miller, chairman of the contracting services board, said: "This is just one example of how investment in new technology can not only help us achieve higher standards and a more customer-friendly service, but also ensure long-term effectiveness."