A COUNCIL has been rewarded for its recycling initiatives.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has been awarded Beacon status for its recycling and waste management services.

The status recognises and rewards innovative and exemplary teaching and learning practice.

The authority was congratulated by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and Local Government Minister Phil Woolas during a ceremony in London this week.

The council is one of four across the North-East to receive recognition and each will get a share of a £3m fund to promote good practice.

The council's cabinet member for environmental improvement, Councillor Bob Stanway, said: "This award is a tribute to all the hard work and dedication of our staff and partners, and the enthusiasm and support of all our residents to embrace the new recycling regimes and our area-based working to deliver a cleaner, safer, greener borough.

"We regard Beacon council status as a chance to develop more and more green thinking and encourage as many councils as possible to believe they can effect change as successfully as we have done. In fact, we are further developing our recycling scheme in line with best practice from elsewhere, which goes to show that we continue to listen and learn as well."

Mr Prescott said: "Beacon authorities help to create sustainable communities by embedding good practice across local government for the delivery of high-quality public services. I hope that other authorities will be encouraged to look at what they can learn from these Beacons."