A COLLEGE is taking steps to become as environmentally friendly as it can be with a range of projects including the planting of oak trees.

Staff and students at Accrington and Rossen-dale College have decided to embrace a "greening the college" scheme.

Students distributed 78 colour-coded recycling bins throughout the main Broad Oak Campus, in Accrington, as well as the Globe Centre, in Accrington and at the college's site in Bacup.

A commemorative seven- foot oak tree has been planted at Broad Oak, the first of eight at the site.

And a special "green day" will take place today when staff and students pay £1 to dress in the colour. Cash raised will pay for more planting.

Principal, Stephen Carlisle said: "This is a clear statement of Accrington and Rossen-dale College's outlook towards the environment.

"The launch is just the beginning for us and we aim to continue to implement new and unique environmentally-friendly systems in the future.

"We take our responsibilities seriously and look forward to handing on a beautiful location to the next generation of staff and students."

The 78 recycling bins are located in offices, classrooms and in public areas so all students and staff are encouraged to get involved and recycle their paper, bottles and cans.