ENGLAND'S highest and most remote recycling collection point opens today as part of the Swaledale and Arkengarthdale rural recycling project.

Keld Youth Hostel, which stands about 350m above sea level, is one of three collection points for paper, glass and cans in the Richmondshire District Council scheme.

At the official launch at 10.30, William Hague, MP for Richmond, and Adam Henson, host of Countryfile, will present a recycling box to residents Doreen and Ernest Whitehead.

Kate Trusson, from Marrick, will help guests make a patchwork quilt from scrap materials which will be made into a commemorative wall hanging for display in turn at each of the local schools.

Under the scheme, residents are provided with lidded plastic boxes which they fill with recyclable materials and take to collection sites. The other recycling sites are at Grinton Youth Hostel and the Reeth Dales Centre.

If the one-year pilot project is successful, it could be expanded to other rural parts of the district.

Residents can collect boxes from Keld Youth Hostel today, Reeth green on Wednesday, Muker Institute on October 6, Reeth market on October 8, Low Row Institute on October 12, Grinton Parish Hall on October 14, Arkengarthdale Methodist school on October 20 and Gunnerside Village Hall on October 27.

All those who collect a box will be asked to complete a short questionnaire, which is entered into a prize draw.

Schools are taking part in the scheme and information leaflets have been delivered to all households involved.

A launch help line is available on 0113 242 5881.