GREEN-minded Southend residents are being sought to encourage their neighbours to recycle and do their bit for the future of the planet.

Householders in the borough already recycle around 40 per cent of their waste, but Southend Council wants to recruit residents to become recycling champions to help cut the amount of rubbish going to landfill even further.

In 2007-2008, 43 per cent of waste was recycled, but the council is looking for volunteers to help meet a target of 60 per cent by 2015.

Councillor responsible for public protection and waste, Ian Robertson, said: β€œIn order to meet this challenge community involvement is vital. A series of events will be held next month to allow residents to share ideas and help develop a network of recycling champions who can inspire others to make the right choices.”

Both sessions will be held in the Civic Centre, in Victoria Avenue. The first starts at 6pm tomorrow, while the second starts at 1pm on Thursday.

To sign up for either event, contact Jane Rayner or Rebecca Lee on 02082 560023 or e-mail info@sauceconsult ancy.co.uk