A SPA mum proved she's a cut above the rest when she qualified to drive a 23 tonne rubbish wagon while seven months pregnant.

Townsfolk are likely to see Jackie Priest, of Camp Hill, Droitwich, driving their local rubbish collection wagon after she received her HGV licence, with only two months to go until she had a baby girl.

HGV

The 36-year-old mother-of-two has worked for the refuse company Focsa, on the Berry Hill Industrial Estate, for 11 months and was given the chance by her company to take her HGV licence.

Whilst on a five day intensive training course in Wolverhampton last month she passed with flying colours but kept quiet about her pregnancy until after her test.

Jackie, who is due to have her baby next month, is the first woman driver to be employed by the branch.

The mother of two boys said it was a real achievement as it was quite a stressful time. I couldn't have done it without my instructor Phil Brown of Drinkwater HGV Training and the support and help from my supervisor John Newell and my fiance. We are expecting our daughter in September and are really excited.

"I am now looking forward to relaxing and enjoying what's left of my pregnancy with the enjoyment of driving the 23 tonne Scania wagons on the local refuse rounds.

"We will certainly have a tale to tell our daughter when she's older," she added.

Supervisor John Newell said: "I am really proud of Jackie. It's a very hard course to do at the best of times, let alone when you are pregnant so she has done so well."