HOUSEHOLDERS have raised £1,000 for a youth scheme in Easington by using the Kerb-it kerbside recycling scheme.

Premier Waste Management, which handles the collections of cans, bottles and paper for District of Easington Council, has pledged to give £1 for every tonne of waste collected to local charities and good causes.

The District of Easington Youth Forum has been chosen as the first deserving cause for the £1,000 raised so far.

Launched in April by Prime Minister Tony Blair, the youth forum brings together 60 young people to promote the well-being of 11 to 19-year-olds and involve them in decision-making in the district.

The first to be launched in County Durham, it consists of five groups which focus on various issues: leisure and environment, health, media and communications, crime and community safety and education and training. The first cheque will be used to address environmental concerns.

Joan Freak, executive member for social inclusion, said: "I am delighted to be working in partnership with Premier Waste and that the district's youth forum will benefit from the Kerb-it scheme.

"This is an excellent opportunity to engage and involve children in our environment."

Premier Waste Management, based in County Durham, handles Kerb-it collections for seven local authorities in the North East.

Recycling manager David Carpenter said: "We expect to raise around £30,000 a year for the North-East through our £1 per tonne donation.

"It means the more everyone recycles, the more help charities and good causes will receive."