A RECYCLING scheme in the borough of Stockton got off to a successful start with more than 95 per cent of residents taking advantage of it.

Stockton Borough Council launched the Blue Box Scheme last week with the help of Middlesbrough Football Club manager Steve McLaren.

Many households in Yarm and Kirklevington have had their boxes collected, and demand for the kerbside recycling collection has been high.

Councillor Steve Nelson, the council's cabinet member for the environment, said: "The response to our kerbside Blue Box Scheme has been overwhelming, to the point where extra resources have had to be drafted in to cope with the demand.

"There has been a slight delay in collection as a result, but we are asking residents to bear with us as we quickly catch up.

"We are sure residents will do so as the high take-up shows just how committed the people of Stockton borough are to recycling and helping the environment.

"The Care For Your Area campaign has really raised awareness of recycling and environmental issues and the early success of the Blue Box Scheme is a positive sign."

Over the next 12 months, every household in the borough will receive a blue plastic box in which to recycle used bottles, jars, cans and textiles.

A separate re-usable blue bag will also be provided for newspapers, magazines and junk mail.

The waste will be collected fortnightly.