FAMILIES in Rochford are among the best in the country for recycling.

Figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs show the district has a recycling rate of 65.45 per cent, the second best in the country.

Rochfordwas pipped to the top spot by South Oxfordshire Council, which achieved a rate of 65.71 per cent, but was still well above the national average of 44.2 per cent.

Keith Gordon, district councillor responsible for the environment, said: “It is wonderful news to hear that, once again, we are one of the top authorities in the country for recycling.

“We have such a simple three-bin system that makes it as easy as possible for people to recycle, but it’s really down to our residents that we have achieved this success.

“I’d like to thank everyone who takes the time to recycle and compost, so Rochford can maintain its status as ‘the green district’.”

In 2008, Rochford was one of the worst performing of the 350 local authorities, with a recycling rate of just under 20 per cent, but it has turned itself around.

Occasions such as its recent Re-Think Rubbish event have helped. The council’s recycling team also visits schools and Scout groups to ensure children are learning to recycle from an early age, and its mascot Max the Dragon is always a popular attraction at any event.