RESIDENTS in Sedgefield borough are being urged to make one promise to do something to help the environment.

Sedgefield Borough Council wants every individual to pledge to do something to improve their neighbourhood, such as planting a tree or picking up litter.

The Earth Promise in the home scheme was launched by the council's Local Agenda 21 team, in Spennymoor, yesterday.

Agenda 21 is a global action plan for "green" development across the world. By involving as many individuals and organisations as possible, council officers hope that it will result in a borough-wide network of people working for the environment and their community.

The council will be handing Earth Promise leaflets to libraries, post offices, community centres and other outlets, suggesting simple actions which can be carried out to help the environment.

Sedgefield's Local Agenda 21 officer Karin Johnson said: "Earth Promise offers some simple advice about practical steps that can be taken to protect and improve the environment.

"You may think one person alone cannot do much, but if we all do something there will be a big impact.

"With around 90,000 people living in Sedgefield borough, think of all the changes we could make if we all recycled our waste, planted a tree, picked up litter, switched to eco-friendly washing powder, or gave an hour of time to voluntary work."

Residents will be encouraged to make one or more promises, carry them out and record them on the council's "Earth File".

Everyone taking part in the Earth Promise scheme will receive a personalised certificate relating to their pledge.

Several community groups attended the launch in Spennymoor Leisure Centre, and it is hoped to promote the initiative throughout the borough in the next few weeks.

Following the in-the-home initiative, the Earth Promise project will be further developed into schools, work, clubs and places of worship.

Promises can be sent free of charge to Local Agenda 21, Sedgefield Borough Council, Freepost, NEA 12302, Spennymoor, DL16 6BR, or use the reply slip on the leaflet.

For more information, contact (01388) 816166.