They keep the streets clean, tend the borough’s parks and help children read – now council staff who help the community are being showcased in a photography exhibition.

The free showcase opening on Monday at Dalston’s CLR James Library puts 16 workers in the spotlight by highlighting their roles and telling people what they like about them.

Gary Ephriam, who works in Waste Disposal and whose portrait is on display, said: “If we stopped working, Hackney would be in trouble. Doing this job, I have come to realise how important street cleaners are – it goes under the radar.”

The photographer behind the project, Andy Donohoe, has lived in Hackney for five years. The idea for the exhibition came when he was cycling around Hackney for a photography project and wanted to learn more about the people who looked after the parks and streets everyday.

Andy said: “These photographs show the people who work tirelessly to keep Hackney running smoothly.”