Grimefighter Lew is a big hit on facebook

A street cleaner who won the nation's hearts in ITV documentary Grimefighters has more than a thousand fans on the internet.

Lew Carrington is a 64-year-old litter picker from Wolverhampton.

He has become an ambassador for his city with a core of fans thanks to his cheery demeanour and Black Country phrases, such as "all right me mucka, 'ow am ya?" There are 1,373 members of the Lewis Carrington Grimefighters Fanclub on social networking website Facebook.

"I've even had someone ask to meet me because it's her little boy's birthday soon and he apparently has a present for me, but I've no idea what it is", he said.

Lew, who keeps the streets of Pendeford, Tettenhall pool and West Park clean, said: "Lot's of people recognise me now.

"I've had people come up to me in Asda and ask if they can have a picture with me. They even recognise when I'm not in my uniform.

"I've been on holiday in the Cotswolds and people have asked 'are you that bloke off the telly'?"