FREE packets of roast chestnuts will be handed out at the start of a festive recycling initiative.

A recycling team is taking to the streets to remind people of the many opportunities for recycling over the Christmas period.

The roadshow will encourage people to use their kerbside recycling facilities as much as possible and explain how Christmas cards can be recycled using their blue bag kerbside collection.

Residents can place their real Christmas trees out for collection on Monday, January 8, and if needed, extra blue boxes for glass and cans can be obtained free.

Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton Borough Council's cabinet member for the environment, said: "A few extra bottles of wine and maybe one too many mince pies are all part of our traditional Christmas festivities, but increased consumption means increased waste, much of which can be recycled."

For more information, call the care for your area service helpline on 01642-391959.