A WASTE paper recycling initiative in Hartlepool has proved an instant success and householders have been praised for their support.

A total of 130 tonnes of paper was collected in July alone, the first month of Hartlepool Borough Council's kerbside collection service being extended across the town.

This follows the delivery to every home of a blue bag for unwanted newspapers, magazines, white paper, catalogues, junk mail and white directories, to be collected for recycling.

Items that are not recyclable are Yellow Pages, envelopes, cardboard, cans, glass and other rubbish.

The service is building upon a scheme that has covered about two-thirds of the town for several years, and for every tonne of paper collected £1 is being donated to the local branch of Save the Children.

Replacement and extra bags are available free from the council's neighbourhood services offices.