Steve Hodgkinson

Painting and decorating is a far cry from being a Pest Control Operator - but Steven Hodgkinson enjoys the job. He's worked for Salford City Council for 30 years - 12 of them in his present job.

He has already seen previews of some of the Life of Grime programmes - but says it doesn't show the best side of the city. "Because of the sort of things being filmed, viewers will only see the worst side of Salford and that's a great pity as it's a great place."

One of the best sides of his job is the camaraderie with his work-mates - and that comes across on film. "We're a bit like husband and wife, always arguing but the best of friends."

It can be a messy job, but there are plenty of laughs. "Once I was trying to get into someone's loft and the loft ladder broke. I landed on my mate - but not hard enough!"

When he's not catching vermin, Steven spends his spare time catching - fish!

If you would like information on problems with rats or mice please contact Salford Direct on 0161 909 6500.

This page was last updated on 3 October 2009