IT'S time to make a tree-mendous effort and recycle your Christmas tree.

Townsfolk are being urged to spare a thought for the world's natural resources by taking their trees to one of the many local recycling sites.

The trees will be collected from the venues and shredded to produce mulch for use on flowerbeds in local parks and open spaces. The district council scheme also saves the 'left-over' greens from ending up in our already overworked landfill sites.

District councillor Margaret Sherrey, (Con-Furlongs) the cabinet member responsible for waste management, said: "Last Christmas we collected a record 26 tonnes of trees - that's the equivalent in weight to about four African elephants!"

"It was our best year yet, but we are hoping that with your help again we can beat that record and set ourselves a new target."

Anna Wardell, the council's environmental strategy officer, added: "We urge residents to be as green keen this year as they were last and to encourage their friends and families to follow their good example.

"And remember - be just like the elephants - don't forget to recycle all the waste you can all year round. After all - recycling is not just for Christmas."

The Christmas tree recycling sites are open until January 22.

They can be found at Morrisons, Buntsford Park Road, Bromsgrove; Recreation Road South car park; Littleheath Garden Centre, Littleheath Lane, Lickey End; Hurrans Garden Centre, Alcester Road, Burcot; Tanyard Lane car park, Alvechuch; Becketts Farm, Alcester Road, Wythall; New Road car park, Rubery; Waseley Hills Country Park, Gannow Green Lane, Rubery; Victoria Inn, 113 Hewell Road, Barnt Green; Clent Nurseries, Bromsgrove Road, Clent; Badgers Sett car park, Birmingham Road, Hagley; Worcester Road car park, Hagley; Hurrans Garden Centre, Kidderminster Road South, Hagley; Beechcroft Nurseries, Madeley Road, Madeley Heath and Kingfisher Nurseries, Stourbridge Road, Catshill.