RECYCLING is the theme of the New Year for a hospice looking to boost funds.

The Butterwick Hospice, in Bishop Auckland, is appealing for Christmas cards and Yellow Pages books to be recycled to raise money.

There are two large skips in the car park at the hospice, on Woodhouse Lane, especially for Christmas cards.

A hospice spokesman said: "The hospice is very serious about recycling and helping the environment.

We have huge skips at Bishop Auckland swimming baths car park, the back of the Ken Warne supermarket in Spennymoor and Southern Club car park, in Newton Aycliffe, as well as in Frosterley."

The hospice also recycles postage stamps, aluminium foil and cans, A4 copier paper, cardboard, inkjet cartridges and mobile telephones.

For more details contact (01388) 603003.