IT'S in the bag - money for a charity and a new recycling scheme. At least that is the hope of an environment friendly council.

A wastepaper recycling scheme has been launched in east Cleveland covering 30,000 homes in Redcar, Guisborough, Saltburn, Marske, and New Marske.

For every tonne of paper recovered in kerbside collections of blue bags, the contractor, Cheshire Recycling, will donate £1 to the charity Save The Children.

Councillor Brian Hogg, councillor for the environment with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: "The Government is setting all councils very challenging recycling targets and we're determined to match them over the coming years.

"It's going to take people a little while to get used to the blue bag system, but we're confident it's going to be a success.''

A helpline, on (01642) 771232, has been set up to answer residents' concerns, with staff briefed on the 14 most common queries including what should go in the bags