The Corporation of Hamilton sweepers have had their work cut out clearing up leaves over the last few weeks.

A mild winter -- with unusually few gales -- has kept leaves on the trees longer than usual.

Now leaves have been falling in a big rush, giving Bermuda an unseasonal summer carpet.

"Our road sweepers have been very busy in Hamilton,'' admitted the Corporation's parks superintendent Mr. George Ogden.

"As quickly as they sweep them up, more leaves fall. It's been like this for the last month or so.'' Mr. Ogden said cedar trees were causing the greatest problems at present, with leaves dropping at a furious rate.

Sweepers, however, have received some help in their fight against nature.

The Corporation has just acquired from the United States a street cleaning vacuum, worth about $1,000.

Corporation Secretary Mr. Roger Sherratt said the vacuum was being used on a "trial basis''.

SMART IDEA -- Street cleaning has never been so easy for Corporation of Hamilton worker Mr. Kenneth Robinson, pictured with a new vacuum cleaner.