A CHRISTMAS tree recycling scheme has been declared a success.

Almost 1,500 trees were collected at Hambleton District Council's recycling centres.

Residents were asked to deliver their trees to 44 collection points in towns and villages across the district.

During the past two weeks, a mobile shredding unit has visited the centres and reduced the firs to chippings ready for composting.

"We set up more collection compounds than ever before this year, which meant that nobody had far to go to leave their trees for recycling," said recycling officer Jennifer Lowes.

"This has been a really bumper year and we are delighted residents have embraced the scheme."

Council staff say many residents have also placed their trees in their green wheelie bins.

Collections of the bins start again on Monday, February 14, after a ten-week suspension.