MARY and David Wigham's green habits brought them an extra present at Christmas.

The couple, who live on the Ashbrooke Estate, Shotton Colliery, scooped a luxury hamper in an environmental draw, organised by Easington District Council. The authority staged the event for households using its Kerb-it bin boxes.

Each month, households have the chance of winning either a major prize or one of three £50 cash windfalls. So far, more than 20 residents have won money and the Britton family, from Horden, were the first household to win the monthly prize when they were awarded a mini-cruise to Amsterdam in September.

Receiving the hamper, which contained Champagne, wine, port, smoked venison, salmon, Belgian chocolates, pate and cheeses, Mrs Wigham said: "This is a lovely surprise. We've used our Kerb-it box since we received it two years ago and have no trouble filling it. It's great to be rewarded for something that we believe in doing."

George Patterson, the council's executive member for the environment, said: "More households are now recycling and we would like to thank all those who are using their Kerb-it box.

"We are hoping more people will start recycling, though, and, looking at the great prizes on offer, it shows recycling is definitely rewarding."