'pop round to Ms A to help cut the hedge' were the instructions. There was also a mentioning of front & back garden, but that idea disappeared from my mind the instant i caught sight of the hedge - 11ft high and of an age where lower branches were inch-thick.

Chatting with Ms A learned me that she'd like a lot taken off the top, to let more light into the living room with, besides tidying up the sides so it wouldn't grow out over the pavement too much. Shears were ready & waiting.

However taking several feet of hedge off the top meant just shears wouldn't be enough - luckily I had some extendable lobbers in the back of the van to cut through the thicker bits. Two sweaty hours later, 3 or so feet of hedge was now found in three wheelie bins and a pile on the floor.

The sides are awaiting a follow-up cut & shave in the (near) future