A young refuse collector for Pendle Council has taken up learning Urdu in an effort to be more effective in his job.

Mark Foster from Nelson, decided to learn the language at night school at Nelson and Colne College, and the Council backed his request as part of staff development.

"Being on the frontline, I want to provide good customer service, and to be able to communicate with all the people I meet on a day to day basis.

"I am very keen on being able to greet people and thank them in their own language," he added.

Marks' friendly face is well known in Pendle as he starred on billboards for the Recycle for Pendle campaign.

Coun Alan Davies, Leader of Pendle Council, said: "Mark is enthusiastic in helping the Council in its bid to be friendly and approachable and to communicate with all our residents.

"Congratulations go to Mark and all other staff that are helping towards the Council's aim to make all services accessible to everybody in Pendle," he added.

Mark's son Jordan, age 5, has been asking questions about Urdu, and Mark has been passing on his new knowledge.

Mark said: "Jordan is picking it up at an impressive speed - he's better at it than I am!"