A Bexley waste crew who lent a helping hand after an elderly woman's purse was stolen have been hailed as heroes.

The team of four noticed something was wrong as they were carrying out their rounds in Nuxley Village.

They noticed that there was, unusually, no waste to collect from the home of an elderly woman.

When the crew knocked on the woman's door they found her in a distressed state.

Worse still, she'd had her purse stolen which left her with no money for food, heating or electricity.

The four men weren't about to leave her cold and alone however.

They banded together and gave her £20 of their own money so she could heat and power her home, as well as doing an emergency grocery shop for her.

When they returned to the depot, they explained the situation to their manager and arranged for the woman to be given £50 of shopping vouchers, to help her buy any more groceries she needed until her next pension pay date.

Mick Gatton, contract manager of Bexley Council’s waste and recycling contractor Serco - was proud how the four men handled the situation.

“The way the crew went out of the way to help this vulnerable resident is really admirable.

"When they found out about the difficulties she was facing they didn’t hesitate to offer their support, giving up their time and even digging into their own pockets.

"They bring the same caring and compassionate approach to their work in the local community every day, so I am really pleased to see them recognised with this award.”

The award of which he speaks recognises Serco employees have done extraordinary things for their colleagues, customers or communities.

The crew's journey with the elderly lady hasn't ended just yet either.

The team now visit her every Thursday when they are carrying out their round and always call in to check she is ok.