RECYCLING rates in Ryedale have risen by more than ten per cent following a £13,000 grant.

The funding was offered to a district council project to raise awareness of recycling by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (Wrap).

It was one of 120 projects in England to receive funding.

The council has issued leaflets informing residents why, what and when to recycle, and has also promoted recycling through the local media.

Recycling rates in Ryedale have since risen from 25 per cent to more than 35 per cent.

Councillor Elizabeth Shields, chairman of the authority's community services and licensing committee, said: "Engaging the public is one of the most important challenges Ryedale District Council faces if it is to continue to improve recycling performance and meet national targets."

Wrap is a not-for-profit company, backed by Government funding from Defra.