FRESH from recent festive excesses, many people's thoughts will be turning towards diets and healthier lifestyles.

But first spare a thought for the environment and help the planet by recycling Christmas trees and cards.

That is the message from the North-East's councils, which are gearing up to receive thousands of trees at recycling sites from next week.

This year, many authorities are organising door-to-door collections for the first time, making it easier for householders to dispose of trees.

Instead of being taken to landfill sites, they can be shredded and made into compost, reducing the tonnes of waste they create every year.

Christmas cards cluttering up rooms can also be recycled rather than thrown away.

Simon Johnson, chairman of the North Yorkshire Waste Strategy Steering Group, a partnership of local councils in the county, said: "Although we will probably reuse our Christmas decorations for years to come, we tend to think of Christmas trees and cards as disposable items."

Stockton Borough Council is one local authority that will be arranging free collections of unwanted trees on Monday.

The authority says a team of workers will be touring the borough to collect Christmas trees, which should be put out where wheelie bins are normally left.

Councillor Steve Nelson said: "All the trees collected will be shredded and composted instead of being taken to landfill sites."

Tesco stores, in conjunction with the Woodland Trust, will also be providing facilities for recycling cards from Monday.

In some areas, incentives are being offered to householders to recycle.

Hambleton District Council, in North Yorkshire, is offering free entry in a raffle to anyone taking their Christmas tree to their recycling centre before January 12.

Prizes include a fleece jacket, a radio or a wind-up torch.