SANTA CLAUS has ditched his traditional red outfit for a green one in Ryedale to help spread an eco-friendly message.

The Choose2Reuse campaign seeks to encourage people to reuse good quality but unwanted household items. The aim is to stop them being put into a landfill tip or waste bin.

It is run by North Yorkshire County Council with local district authorities and the City of York Council.

Green Santa collected unwanted items at Morrisons supermarket, in Malton, last week for the scheme.

The recycling team also handed out leaflets to shoppers informing them of ways to re-use unwanted items.

Green Santa said: "There are many things that people throw away as rubbish, but that could easily be re-used by others who are in need."

Any items not suitable for charity shops are offered to larger local groups dedicated to recycling.

John Brown, Ryedale District Council's recycling officer, said: "This really was a fantastic response from Ryedale's residents in support of the Choose2Reuse campaign.

"Before flying off, Santa had just enough time to deliver his sleigh-full of goodies to charity shops."

For details on recycling, call 01653-600666 extension 486. Information can also be obtained from North Yorkshire's community waste management officer on 08450-349494.