A programme to clear a backlog of waste by the end of the month will continue on Saturday.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council launched a free waste collection service called junk jobs in the 1990s to pick up beds, three-piece suites, mattresses and fridges but it has been unable to keep pace with demand.

Last weekend, 14 refuse collection vehicles began an operation to clear up the backlog, collecting 600 items.

In future, residents will be encouraged to recycle or use the two civic amenity tips at Warrenby and, from April 1, Carlin Howe, in Guisborough, to get rid of large items.

From April there will also be an express service for £10 ensuring pick-up within five working days.

The programme for collections is: Saturday; Eston, South Bank, Grangetown, Teesville, Normanby, Spencerbeck, Ormesby, Nunthorpe.

Saturday, March 27; Guisborough, Loftus, Easington, Cowbar, Liverton Mines, Carlin How, Skinningrove, Brotton, Skelton, Boosbeck, Lingdale.

For more information, call the Junk Job service direct at Warrenby depot on (01642) 759060.