GREEN-thinking householders have helped their local authority emerge as one of the best in the North for recycling waste.

At 24 per cent, Hambleton District Council has the highest recycling and composting rate in the Yorkshire and North-East region, beating the target set by the Government by eight per cent.

With green waste collections set to expand to all of Hambleton, the figure is expected to rise again.

The council operates 101 mini-recycling sites in local communities and 11 large sites in the market towns.

Head of environmental health Eric Kendall said: "The council acted early on this particular issue. Naturally, we are very pleased with these figures."

Craven recorded a rate of 18 per cent, while Harrogate and Ryedale recycled 15 per cent. Scarborough recycled 12 per cent, while Richmondshire tailed behind with 12 per cent.