I am so sorry to learn of the death of Britain’s best loved binman Eddie Yates from Coronation Street, actor Geoffrey Hughes. I’ve just heard fellow Corrie actress Julie Goodyear pay tribute to him and say what a kind man he was, and I believe so too.

A few years ago I was working with local authorities in the Eastern region to promote household waste and recycling initiatives and, after learning that the actor lived near Peterborough, I suggested that we ask Geoffrey if he would support our recycling campaign.

After much digging around to discover his address, I called at his house and spoke to his wife who told me Geoffrey was away filming in Yorkshire, but she would pass on my message and my request.

My husband was thrilled when Geoffrey called me, and took a message from him as I was out. He instantly recognised his distinctive voice and was so impressed by his generous nature.

Geoffrey did agree to support our recycling campaign as he and his wife were keen recyclers, but said due to work commitments, any photographs would have to be taken in Yorkshire and we could see him at the film studio.

Unfortunately, the local authority did not think their funding could stretch far enough to pay for me to go to Yorkshire, and so we didn’t take up his kind offer, and missed this great opportunity. But it is a kindness I have always remembered. What an exceptionally nice man.

Eddie was 68 and died of prostrate cancer.