CHRISTMAS tree recycling stations are in place to help people to clear up after the festivities.

For the third year running villagers have signed up to a scheme that will see the trees turned into compost with collection points open from tomorrow.

Hambleton Council deputy leader Arthur Baker said: "By placing collection points around the district last year, more people than ever disposed of their trees the green way."

Over the past seven years the council has been collecting trees from various locations and then shredding them commercially.

However the new sites will be set up at village halls, pubs and recreation grounds while people in Northallerton, Bedale and Stokesley will be able to take their trees to the green waste skips at the town recycling sites.

Christmas tree collection sites will be situated at: Alne, Bedale, Carlton Husthwaite, Coxwold, Danby Wiske, Easingwold, Great Ayton, Huby, Kirklington, Linton-on-Ouse, Newton-on-Ouse, Sowerby, Stillington, Stokesley, Sutton-on-the-forest, Swainby, Thirsk, Tholthorpe and Well.

They will be open from tomorrow until Sunday, January 12, and a mechanical shredder will be visiting the sites the following week.