POSSIBLY the country's highest and most remote recycling collection point will open this week.

Keld Youth Hostel in Swaledale, which stands about 350m above sea level, is one of three collection points introduced as part of a rural recycling project launched by Richmondshire District Council.

Residents of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale will be given plastic boxes for the collection of glass, paper and cans, as part of the scheme.

These can then be taken to one of the mini recycling centres.

Sean Little, head of environmental protection at the council, said: "In more remote rural areas, it is often difficult for people to visit a recycling collection point on a regular basis.

"By providing them with these boxes, which can store large volumes of material cleanly and easily, we hope that people will be encouraged to save their recyclable waste."

The pilot project will run for 12 months and may be extended to other rural areas, if successful. Councillor James Kendall, ward member for Reeth and Arkengarthdale, welcomed the initiative.

"It is important that our more remote communities are given the opportunity to get involved with recycling and we hope that residents in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale will take advantage of the new service," he said.

For details about the scheme call (0113) 2425881.