UNION chiefs have called for the region's local authorities to step up kerbside recycling efforts.

Public services union the GMB yesterday published a new analysis of the Audit Commission's figures on councils offering such services to their residents.

Newcastle, North Tyneside and Tynedale councils do not provide kerbside recycling schemes at all.

Teesdale District Council and South Tyneside District Council serve less than half of their population of homeowners with a service, as do councils in Scarborough, York and Harrogate.

By contrast, authorities in Hartlepool, Sedgefield, Redcar and Cleveland and the Wear Valley provide kerbside recycling to all of their residents.

GMB public services senior organiser Justin Bowden said: "The GMB would like to see TV advertisements to educate the public so that the North-East's residents and our members who collect the refuse can all play their part in environmentally sustainable development in our cities and towns."