GREEN waste is getting tonnes better everyday following a change in Redcar and Cleveland.

More than 147 tonnes of recyclable material were collected in one of the four zone areas divided by the council in February.

The scheme was expanded to help increase the amount of recycling in the borough, starting with residents in Guisborough, Saltburn and Marske.

After the successful start, the collections will be extended to three further zones, from now until the beginning of May.

Councillor Bob Stanway, cabinet member for environmental improvement, said: "The response to the collections scheme vindicates its introduction.

"It was inevitable that a big change like this would create teething troubles but overall it has been a successful start.

"This council is leading the way on waste management and the scheme will only get better throughout the year."

The council will also provide household waste recycling facilities at Warrenby and Dunsdale which is open from 8am to 7pm every day, until the end of September.

The scheme has raised money for charity by donating small amounts of revenue from the collection of tin cans to TFM radio's Make a Child Smile appeal.