Brighton and Hove binmen took to the streets under council control for the first time in 12 years today.

During the weekend council managers managed to get together a fleet of 80 trucks from hire firms across the South East.

Drivers were given on the spot training as they arrived at work from 5am this morning before heading on to the streets in the new vehicles.

A new team of managers is being appointed but in the meantime the council's own waste management team has taken the reins.

Alan McCarthy, strategic director for environment and housing, was overseeing the transfer today.

He said: "We've had four days to prepare for this and I've no doubt there will be a few hiccups but everyone is working together.

"Existing council staff and the new staff have been working really well together to make sure it all goes smoothly.

"I'm very pleased with the way it has gone today and I think it bodes well for the future of the service.

"All the trucks are going out, even if they are a little later than usual."

Pat Murphy, who was transport manager at the depot before the waste service was contracted out 12 years ago, was back in place today as acting transport manager.

He said: "I worked here for 21 years with the council before the contract was handed over and I'm pleased to be back.

"I've been down here in the past few weeks and the men have been very downcast and angry.

"They're really settling in now and now we are working towards bigger and better things."

GMB union representative Tony Wilson said: "We wanted to go back in-house and we can sort this out."