PENDLE'S new recycling scheme is being trumpeted by the arrival of an elephant in Colne town centre.

The elephant, made entirely from newspaper, is basking under the shade of a tin can tree created by community artist Joy Evans, to urge people not to forget to use new green boxes to recycle cans and bottles and not put them in the bin with other rubbish.

Waste management co-ordinator Carole Taylor said: "This is our unique way of getting attention for the green box scheme which will remind virtually all Pendle residents to never forget to recycle their glass and cans from home."

Pendle Council is sending letters to residents over the next three weeks to explain the changes in the way their waste is collected and will also deliver calendars marked with collection days.

Almost 10,000 households have been trying out the scheme and now all urban areas will be getting a green box for glass bottles and jars and steel and aluminium cans.

Pendle Council's executive member for the environment Coun John David said: "Lots of people now take their bottles and cans to recycling centres. The green box scheme does away with the need for that.

"The council is going to collect all the recyclables for residents and do it right from their doorsteps, so we all gain and so does the environment because there will be far less left over to go into landfill.

"Pendle is at the forefront of recycling, achieving better and better results due to the council putting in new systems and residents making good use of them."

For details, contact the helpline on 01282 661743.