HOUSEHOLDERS in Stockton are being asked to consider the environment this Christmas.

Revellers are being urged to put their empty cans and bottles to one side and take them to one of the many recycling sites in the borough instead of throwing them in the bin.

They are also being urged to recycle paper, but wrapping paper cannot be recycled so residents are asked not to put this in paper banks.

However, the New Year will bring more good news on the recycling front as Stockton Borough Council will be launching its blue box scheme in the Yarm, Eaglescliffe and south Stockton areas.

The scheme will make recycling easier for residents, providing a fortnightly kerbside service for glass, bottles, jars, cans, tins and old clothing. A separate reusable blue bag is provided for newspapers, magazines and junk mail.