THREE thousand householders in Droitwich and Bromsgrove are to take part in a pilot scheme to recycle their waste paper.

It will be collected in sacks from their doorsteps and turned into hygienic bedding for animals.

The firm behind the scheme is Evesham-based Betta Bedding Ltd which has been manufacturing the material from 100 per cent recycled paper since 1992.

Worcester Community Recycling, another arm of Betta Bedding, has initially targeted 3,000 properties as a pilot scheme.

The firm is expecting 312 tonnes of paper from the homes in a year.

"We'll closely monitor it and, if successful, we will expand it to cover both areas," said managing director Nik Spence.

All the houses taking part in the pilot scheme will be issued with a red sack and a leaflet listing collection dates until 2002.

"Householders simply put the sacks out in a clearly visible place at the front of their properties by 9am and we'll collect them," said Mr Spence.

The scheme will be launched in Droitwich on Thursday, August 24, with collections made every other Thursday.