"GREEN" MP David Chaytor is urging residents to recycle their Christmas cards and help the countryside.

He led the way by taking his cards to Boots the Chemists, who have teamed up with the Woodland Trust to create new woodland across the UK.

Campaigners say that while people will re-use their Christmas decorations for years to come, they are less likely to think of alternatives to the dustbin for festive cards. Last year only ten per cent of cards were recycled.

Mr Chaytor, MP for Bury North, is also a member of the Commons environmental audit committee.

He said: "As well as reducing the amount of waste going to landfill sites, the scheme helps the environment by providing recycled materials for new products and all proceeds generated go directly to support the planting of new trees."

Card recycling bins will be at Boots stores until February 28.