PUPILS in primary schools in the Stockton area are being urged to think green and hang on to their old Christmas cards this year.

Many primary schools are collecting cards for recycling, and youngsters are being asked to deliver their festive greetings to their school's collection point, rather than putting them in the bin.

Meanwhile, Stockton residents hoping to do their bit for the environment can take their Christmas cards to collection points in the Municipal Buildings, Church Road, Stockton and the council's offices on Sun Street, Thornaby.

Geoff Field, Stockton Borough Council's Cabinet member for environment, said: "It's always important for us to do our bit for the environment, but there's so much waste around after Christmas, it is vital that we all think green."

The cards will be collected next week and taken to Stranton Waste Services for recycling.