A TEAM of recycling volunteers have been praised for their contribution to waste prevention.

North Yorkshire County Council’s waste and countryside team hosted a celebration at Ripon Walled Garden to thank volunteer Rotters for their work.

Rotters help to inspire people to change their waste habits by giving talks and demonstrations at events, shows and schools across North Yorkshire.

Three volunteers received certificates for five year’s service and veteran Rotter Pauline Percival was awarded the ‘golden apple’, honouring her ten years with the team.

The event marked the end of a recruitment drive for the Rotters that saw the team double in size to more than 60 volunteers. Jeff Coates, of waste and countryside services, said: “We’ve been really lucky to have such an enthusiastic and dedicated group of volunteers.”