PLASTIC flowers have been planted next to rubbish-laden skips to put the colour back into a council recycling centre.

Four workers from Lancaster City Council contract services have brought an early spring to Carnforth Recycling Centre by rescuing a mass of artificial daffodils, lilies, roses and carnations.

Gary Butler, Arwel Owen, Paul Bleasby and Kevin Ireland all keep their eyes peeled for fake foliage peeking from among rolls of damp lino and old mattresses.

"We thought we would tidy the site up a bit and one thing led to another. Now people say they will bring us some flowers," says Gary, pictured.

He told the Citizen the idea blossomed after the foursome cleared weeds from the site.

But by Christmas a flower bed was decked out 'for a bit of fun' and it has grown from there.

"If it makes people happy then fair enough," says Gary.

And he adds that the team is now determined to go even further.

"Come summer, we'll have proper flowers. We've been planting seeds and seem to have started a trend with other people doing the same."

The team says they are not put off by the idea that the flowers could have come from a funeral tribute. But they are keen to remind everyone the site is not a tip - it is a waste recycling centre.