A PIONEERING scheme needs help in collecting cans that can be recycled to raise money for other "green" community projects and to help save global resources.

The Recycling Factory, which was launched in March, is supported by Bolton City Challenge and managed by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

It uses two milk floats, decorated by local children, to collect empty drinks cans. They are taken to J Doyle's where the Recycling Factory has sorting and crushing machines donated by Bolton council. Local schools, businesses and other groups are collecting cans for the scheme and now the organisations want more contributions.

"We have had a good response, but we do have the capacity to collect more cans and want other organisations to become involved," said Mike Charlesworth, recycling officer at Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

The scheme will supply special bins and bin bags for storing cans ready for collection every week.

"We can't go to individual homes yet, but we suggest residents collect their cans together and choose one home as a pick up point for us to collect," said Mike. "Other groups - businesses, community centres, for example - can be included, so there's really no excuse not to take part. It's as simple as putting a used can in a separate bin."

The Recycling Factory operates in central Bolton but is hoping to expand its service. For more information, contact Mike on 01204 361847.

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