MOST little boys dream about being super-heroes or famous football stars — but not four-year-old William Horrocks.

Little William is “obsessed” with bins and idolises the crew that collects his family’s rubbish.

So, as a surprise birthday treat, William’s aunt contacted the council and organised for the youngster to have a trip around the waste depot and a ride in one of their bin lorries.

William, his dad Peter and grandad Jack were shown around the site by the crew which collects their bins each week.

Chris Lewis, the youngster’s aunt, said: “He had an absolutely wonderful time.

“The crew were so kind to him. They gave him a high-visibility jacket and a pair of gloves. He slept in the jacket for the first three nights after his trip and only took the gloves off when he had a bath.

“It sounds funny, but he is obsessed with bins and the bin crews. It started about two years ago.

“Bin day is the highlight of the week. William knows exactly what day and what time the crew come.

“He makes us all stand outside and wave to them. We’ve been doing it so long now the lads recognise William and wave back.”

William, who starts at Chowbent Primary School in Atherton in September, was given a guided tour of Wigan Council’s recently opened depot in Ince.

He got to ride in the bin lorry and see where the waste the crews collection ends up.

Ms Lewis said: “I emailed the council and was delighted when they invited William for a tour.

“William knows exactly which different bin all the rubbish should go in. The first thing he asks when he comes to my house is can he put my rubbish out.”

The multi-million-pound depot is not usually open to the public, but council staff made an exception for young William.

Terry Dunn, Wigan’s director of environment, said: “William is a lovely little lad and our refuse team were delighted they could make his birthday special.

“It’s great that he is so keen on recycling and putting rubbish in the right bin. He’s an example to us all.

“William hasn’t even started school yet, but in 15 years or so, if he wants a job in our refuse teams, as long as I’m still here, I’d certainly employ him.”

Refuse collection loader Adam Flores added: “We have seen William when we’ve been out on our collection round and he always waves, so it was nice to see him in the depot and how happy he was with the visit.”