The Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro) has promised to plant a tree for each tonne recycled over the next year.

Alupro's Steve Freeman said: "Everyone has a local can bank they can use, either in neighbourhood centres or at the big shopping stores. For those with kerbside recycling that includes cans, simply put them in the box."

Brian Myers, Dur-ham County Council's cabinet member for waste management, welcomed the initiative, part of its Rethink Rubbish campaign.

He said: "We plan to use our share of the trees to brighten up local areas so we can see something coming back in return for local recycling."

For recycling details visit www.durham.gov. uk