BUSINESSES are being asked to save their old computer printer and toner cartridges to help Darlington's St Teresa's Hospice.

The Money for Old Rope project project is run in conjunction with Worktwice Marketing, which has raised more than £180,000 for charities in six years.

St Teresa's is one of 35 hospices nationwide involved in the scheme, which can bring in up to £4 for each recycled cartridge.

The hospice's four charity shops will shortly have collection points to make donations easier.

Forty-two companies in the area have already signed up to the scheme, as well as several schools.

Hospice director Jane Bradshaw said: "There are 55 million inkjet cartridges used every year, and nearly 90 per cent of those are thrown away when they are empty.

"By passing the empty cartridges on to us for recycling, businesses can do their bit for the environment and help us to raise much-needed funds for the hospice as well.