A RECYCLING race by communities in North Yorkshire vying for a £1,000 prize is hotting up.

A total of 38 parishes across the Hambleton district have only weeks left to boost their recycling tally.

Each has been asked to increase the amount sent for re-use through the mini recycling centres operated in their community by Hambleton District Council.

Leading the way at the moment is Alanbrooke Barracks in Topcliffe with Chop Gate, Great Broughton, Thornton Watlass and Kirby Wiske hot on their heels.

And Morton on Swale, Busby Stoop, Carlton Husthwaite, Tholthorpe, Knayton and Exelby are all aiming for the top spot.

The amount of glass, cans and paper collected in the six months to March 31 will be counted for each recycling site and the village which increases its rates the most will take the £1,000 prize.

Each community has been asked to nominate a worthy local cause for the cash - including schools, village halls, Scout and Guide groups, playing fields and churches.

The cash prize is part of a household incentives scheme being funded by Defra, which wants to boost recycling rates and see how well incentives motivate North Yorkshire residents.

The final placings will be announced next month.