RESIDENTS in Rossendale are being encouraged to do their bit for the environment by recycling their Christmas leftovers.

The council's environ-mental services is carrying out a number of recycling events to collect Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands and mistletoe.

Trees and greenery can be recycled behind the lodge greenhouse area at Stubbylee Park, Bacup, and at the rear of the car park of Whitaker Park Museum, Rawtenstall.

People can take their waste, which will be turned into mulch or compost, to the sites between 9am and 3.30pm and until 11.30am Monday to Thursday until January 27.

Street collections of festive waste will also take place starting on Monday until January 19.

Collection dates are January 9, 11, 16 and 18 for the Bacup and Whitworth area and January 10, 12, 17 and 19 for Rawtenstall and Haslingden.

To arrange a street collection contact 01706 878660 in advance.

For more information visit the council's website www.rossendale.gov.uk.