A COUNCIL which is urging its residents to recycle waste plans to practice what it preaches.

An internal audit has discovered Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council departments used more than eight million sheets of unrecycled white paper during the past year.

Setting an environmentally-friendly example to others, the authority's 6,000 staff are under orders to use only recycled paper from next month. An 80 per cent recycled product is being ordered by the council.

Councillor Bob Stanway, cabinet member for environmental improvement, said: "The council and its strategic partner, Liberata, are committed to considering the environment when taking decisions and we aim to set a positive example to others through our environmental management practices.

"This move comes in a year when the council's area management have introduced major changes to frontline refuse and recycling services which will significantly increase the borough's recycling rate.

"It is therefore clearly appropriate for all departments to show their support by switching to recycled paper."

Council staff are also to be given guidance on the use of paper, inks and other stationery.

Paul Taylor, the council's environmental management officer, said: "A number of local and central government departments are switching to recycled paper, dispelling myths about its quality.

"Our own trials have shown that it is as white and smooth as conventional paper and it is just as reliable when used in printers, faxes and copiers."