Dolly Parton-inspired lorry aims to bring smiles

There is hope a new recycling truck named after country music legend Dolly Parton will make people smile after her death.

Tributes have been flooding in since the singer died aged 80 on 25 August - and the name "Dolly Carton" can now be seen on the side of one of Torridge District Council's new recycling vehicles in Devon.

Names for 11 new vehicles were chosen by waste crews before Parton's death and Dolly Carton was added to the side of one of the lorries in August.

The name was submitted for consideration by Rachel Gordon, who said she chose it as her dad loved country music and she grew up listening to Parton's music.

"Now that she has passed I hope the lorry will bring a smile to people when they see her name on the front," she added.

Gordon said the name also had another personal connection, combining parts of her daughters' names, Daisy and Polly.

Torridge District Council said it hoped the name would now be seen as a fitting tribute to the singer.

"Dolly Parton was known for her sharp wit and sense of humour," said councillor Chris Leather, adding: "Everyone loves Dolly."

The council's lead member for operational services said the name had been one of the favourites chosen by crews and staff out of 660 entries.

He thanked everyone who entered name suggestions and said the team had a "tough but amusing" time selecting the winners.

The competition was the latest in a series of vehicle-naming contests run by Torridge District Council.

Previous winners have included names Optimus Grime, Bindiana Jones and Bagatha Christie.

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