ENVIRONMENTALLY friendly Blackburn and Darwen residents have just a few weeks left to help a tree planting scheme in Africa.

The project is based on recycling drinks cans and aluminium foil to finance woodland growth in desert regions.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has praised residents for their efforts so far and encouraged them to keep up the good work.

One tree will be given for every tonne of aluminium recycled as part of the climate change appeal by recycling campaigners Alupro.

Every aluminium can and kilo of foil recycled before the end of September will count towards the bid to grow 50,000 trees in the dry-lands of sub-Sahara Africa.

The council has also pledged to plant a tree locally for each tonne recycled.

Council recycling officer Stuart Hammond said: "All our residents have done exceptionally well so far with their recycling efforts.

"Please keep up the good work and remember to keep on recycling all your aluminium cans and foil as every piece really will count."

For further information contact Alupro on 0845 7227722 or visit www.alupro.org.uk