A NORTH-EAST rescue centre that helps animals all across the country is asking people to donate their used computer printer cartridges.

Farplace Animal Rescue, at Westgate, County Durham, recycles the cartridges to fund the care of animals and support other sanctuaries.

"Don't throw away your used toner cartridges from laser and inkjet printers," said sanctuary manager Jan Edwards.

"We can provide a free cartridge bin with free delivery and pick-up. As a result, we earn valuable funds from cartridges, which can be refilled and reused.

"You can help the environment and the animals by joining our scheme today."

Home users and small businesses can also support the scheme by taking freepost bags, suitable for small quantities of cartridges.

Farplace gives grants to sanctuaries across the UK through the National Animal Sanctuary Alliance.

For a cartridge collection box, call (01388) 517397.