COUNCIL officials in Hartlepool have praised local people for their commitment to recycling.

Statistics show that many households heeded the environmental message when disposing of their Christmas rubbish.

And this has helped to send the percentage of the town's domestic rubbish, that is either recycled or composted, soaring to 10.3 per cent, in line with Government targets dictating that Hartlepool Borough Council must recycle ten per cent of waste by 2003 and 18 per cent by 2005.

There was a good response to initiatives involving old Christmas trees and cards, as well as the amount of glass and cans collected.

Statistics reveal that house-to-house collections resulted in 1,202 trees being recycled, the equivalent of eight tonnes of chippings, which will be spread on parks and gardens.

Almost three tonnes of Christmas cards were deposited at collection points in the civic centre, schools and Neighbourhood Services Offices, while some 50.5 tonnes of glass and 2.3 tonnes of cans were collected in "bring banks" located around the town in December and January.

Denise Agden, the council's environment manager, said: "The council has been running its Slim Your Bin campaign for some time now, and I am delighted that more and more people seem to be recognising the importance of recycling and reducing the amount of rubbish they simply throw away.

"However, we must not become complacent and need to build upon the progress we have made to ensure we continue to meet the targets the Government has set us."

For advice about recycling, call her on (01429) 523808.

YOUNGSTERS in Teesside climbed the jobs ladder when more than 100 attended an unusual event at Ormesby School sports complex.

The Brain and Brawn challenge was designed to show off the skills which young people can offer prospective employers.

Challenges involved climbing walls, testing the senses and answering a quiz.

Teams taking part came from training organisations throughout the Tees Valley.

The winner was Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council with the ARCHway Project team highly commended.

Leanne Burrows from the council squad won a signed Middlesbrough football shirt for being team player of the day and also won a day at a local radio station.

The 13 Brain and Brawn challenges included crossing imaginary minefields, building newspaper towers and crossing African plains using rowing bikes, running machines and power joggers.

Steward Irwin, ARCHway Project leader said: "Every team put in 100 per cent effort. There was a real buzz about the day and everyone seemed to enjoy it."

The event was organised by the Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley.

Executive director Pam Eccles said: "Events such as this show the potential we have in young people. In particular, it highlighted the number of young people currently out of work or not at college.

"The number of adults at the challenge and looking for prospective employees was good to see. It gives hope that there are career possibilities available.

"The event was a huge success, with lots of young people leaving full of ideas for what they would like to do in the future.