IT'S official -- householders in Preston are among the greenest in the country thanks to a new recycling scheme.

Council bosses say that in just two weeks Preston residents have recycled more than 70 tonnes of paper, 170 tonnes of garden and kitchen waste, 20 tonnes of glass and four tonnes of cans.

In April, 14,000 homes in Barton, Broughton, Goosnargh, Whittingham, Fulwood, Sharoe Green, Cadley, Greyfriars and parts of Cottam were part of a 'twin bin' scheme where people were encouraged to separate and recycle waste. A 240-litre wheeled-bin was delivered to households which takes compostable waste such as grass cuttings, weeds, dead plants, branches and leaves -- as well as uncooked fruit and vegetables such as potato peel and apple cores.

And all the material -- enough to fill 20 large bin lorries -- is now to be recycled and re-used instead of being dumped in landfill sites.

The recycling scheme is supported by a partnership approach between Lancashire Waste Services, Lancashire Environment Fund and Preston Borough Council.

Councillor Andy Campbell, Preston Borough Council's cabinet member responsible for the environment, said: "Thanks to the support of local people, this scheme is a great success. The response has been amazing.

Preston is trailblazing this initiative and other councils are now watching closely."

Pictured is Councillor Andy Campbell at Preston Borough Council's cleansing depot