A NORTH-East company has joined the battle to reduce the region's "fridge mountain".

P&O Closed Loop Logistics has been given permission by Stockton Borough Council to build a plant capable of recycling up to 60 fridges an hour in Billingham.

Across Teesside, Hartlepool and Darlington, there are between 25,000 and 30,000 refrigerators waiting to be broken down and recycled.

P&O said it had invested more than £2m in importing the latest technology to break down and recycle domestic fridges at the new plant.

Logistics director Tim Pleet said: "We are offering the only completely sustainable solution to the present fridge mountain crisis.

"No other company can provide such a comprehensive solution that really closes the recycling loop."

Initially, the plant is expected to create ten warehousing and clerical positions and company bosses say they hope the plant will be operational by the end of the year.