A job Amy couldn't refuse

Amy Ross from the Waterside began working for Derry City Council's cleansing department six years ago, and hasn't looked back since.

The 25-year-old said: "When I left school it was pretty hard to get a job. A few members of my family are lorry drivers and some of them worked for the Council and my brother told me Council was looking for workers.

"I was 19-years-old at the time and I told him 'no way'. I didn't see myself doing that kind of work. But eventually I applied, thinking I'd never get the job, but I did.

"When I started I was litter picking and pushing a kart, but after a while I got my HGV and started driving the lorries as well. There are two other girls who lift the litter but I'm the only one who drives a lorry."

Initially, Amy didn't intend to stay in the job long term.

She explained: "When I first started I thought I would just do this until I got something else, but six years later I'm still here. I really like the work I know it's a bit different, but you're out in the open all day; I don't think I would like to work in an office now.

"My family encouraged me into the work and has always been behind me 100 percent, and my boyfriend just says that if I'm happy, he's happy."

As for her male colleagues, Amy says they've always been supportive. She added: "When I first started the lorry driving I was a bit nervous, but the lads were great and really encouraged me. There's always great craic at work."

And unsurprisingly, people sometimes get a shock when they learn about Amy's unusual occupation.

She added: "It can be a bit funny when I tell people I've met for the first time what I do for a living. I tell them I work for Council and then they'll ask if I work at the council offices, and when I tell them what I do, more often than not they don't believe me. But I'm happy enough in my job, and not everyone can say that."