A WOMAN who accidentally threw away more than £1,000 in cash has got her money back after staff at the tip in Oldbury searched through tonnes of rubbish.

The woman, who does not want to be named, had taken bags of rubbish to the Household Recycling Centre in Shidas Lane on December 28 after decorating her baby’s bedroom.

But what she did not know at the time was that she was also throwing away £1,040 of her own cash, which had been inadvertently swept into one of the bags alongside the rubbish.

Realising her potentially costly mistake, the resident returned to the depot the following morning in an understandably anxious state and desperate to get the money back.

After hearing her story, Serco waste team members Gary Smith, Tom Holland and Jason Timmins immediately stepped in to help, opening up the skip and hunting through mound upon mound of household rubbish.

After nearly three hours of searching, the trio found the missing money at the bottom of the skip, tied together with a rubber band.

The grateful resident rewarded the team's efforts with biscuits and samosas.

John Mason, Serco Sandwell general manager, said: “When the team saw how upset the resident was they immediately volunteered to help.

“Hunting through piles of rubbish for nearly three hours is no-one’s idea of fun, but they said the look on the lady’s face when they finally found the money definitely made it all worthwhile.

“The resident was incredibly grateful for the team for their efforts and I am very proud of the way they selflessly volunteered to help.”

Councillor David Hosell, cabinet member for highways and environment, added: “Well done to the team for finding the missing money.

“I’m sure the lady is very relieved and extremely grateful for their persistence in looking for and successfully recovering the cash.”