A COUNCIL'S recycling mascot will be taking a charity plunge in to the North Sea on Boxing Day - but he is under orders to leave his alter ego behind.

Bin man Darren Furphy dons a sponge-filled disguise to transform himself into Monti, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's recycling monster mascot.

He and four workmates are taking part in the Redcar Boxing Day dip, but he has to leave his Monti costume behind, amid fears it would never dry out in time for a big New Year date.

The sponge giant is needed to be clean, dry and presentable when Government inspectors visit the borough, on January 5, to decide whether the council's recycling and waste management systems deserve Beacon status. It is the only North-East council on the shortlist.

Mr Furphy, along with refuse drivers Ian Robinson and Trevor Maguire, plus loaders Dave Smith and Craig McMullen, are all committed to making the chilly dip, to raise about £500 for a cancer charity.

Councillor Bob Stanway, the council's cabinet member for environmental improvement, said: "We are entertaining Government inspectors who are arriving to confirm their impression that Redcar and Cleveland council is worthy of Beacon status, so we need everyone in tip-top condition.

"I'm very optimistic that the inspectors will find their way clear to grant us such status in March."