Most people choose their jobs, others fall into them, but for several in Preston, it seems to be written in their names.
At the city council there’s not one but two Grimes working within cleansing and waste management – Bruce and John.
Bruce, 38, who lives in Chorley, said: “I’ve been here for nearly seven years and I supervise binmen. And I worked on the tip before that.
“There’s two of us here – John Grime drives a recycling truck. And Liz Singleton, who works with me is the descendant of one – her grandma was a Grime before she got married.
“It’s quite a North West name, well really it’s from Viking descent.”
Also at the council is the aptly-named Brian Ash – a technician at the crematorium in Longridge Road, Ribbleton.
Elsewhere in Preston, the occupation of Antonia Love is a little less obvious but always raises a few eyebrows – the 34-year-old, from Fulwood, is a divorce lawyer.
Antonia, who is also head of family law department at Farleys Solicitors LLP, Blackburn, said: “Clients do make comments about my name. It’s a memorable surname especially given the work I do.
“It’s also very helpful as I love my work and am passionate about achieving the best outcomes for my clients.”
Another worker with a name well-suited to his occupation is Adrian Cutts, chief financial officer at Lancashire County Council – the man behind a raft of ‘cuts’ for the yearly budget.
And at South Ribble Council, park ranger Mick Moss helps children identify woodland creatures and plants – including moss.
Amongst the retired in Lancashire are Jim Park – who tended to the council’s parks in Preston until last year – and Insp Steve Lawman, one of Lancashire Constabulary’s force incident managers until 2007.
*this article was originally published in the Lancashire Evening Post in February 2009 and was by Melanie Wallwork