GREEN-MINDED homeowners who have helped recycle more than 230 tonnes of rubbish in just four months were today urged to "keep up the good work" as the scheme was extended.

Burnley Council is to provide enough money to continue the borough's innovative waste project when funding from the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs runs out at the end of the month.

The authority said the scheme, which includes a claret-coloured kerbside recycling bag for cans, plastic bottles, cardboard and textiles, proved popular with residents, who have recycled 230 tonnes since December.

Residents will now receive a new batch of recycling bags, over the next few weeks, and are urged to continue to use them.

Collections will remain on the same days every fortnight.

The council is also offering recycling champions the chance to win £100 as part of their support for the scheme.

To enter the prize draw, run in conjunction with Lancashire Waste Partnership, householders must complete an entry form and leave it with the fortnightly newspaper collection.

Councillor Charles Bullas said: "We are very pleased to be able to continue the current recycling scheme.

"We have had a wonderful response from residents, who have shown they are keen to recycle rubbish and help us meet government targets to reduce waste.

"We would like to ask them to keep up the good work and for those who did not get involved, we hope the £100 cash incentive will prove a motivate to get up and do your bit to make Burnley cleaner, safer and greener."

To enter the draw pick up a leaflet from local council offices or contact the borough recycling officer.

The winner of March's competition will be drawn on Friday, March 28, at the Burnley Town Hall, in Manchester Road.