THE leader of Hyndburn council has thanked residents for increasing their recycling despite not meeting its target of an extra 200 tonnes.

The council launched its cashback challenge six months ago, promising 20 prizes, if it hit its target.

Now the prizes, the cashback equivalent to Hyndburn's element of their Council Tax, will rolled over into the second half of the year long scheme.

Coun Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council, said: “Even though the overall target of 200 tonnes has not been met, residents have still increased recycling by 85 tonnes compared to last year which is a fantastic achievement.

“This is the equivalent to an extra 340,000 glass bottles or even 500,000 newspapers. This is absolutely fantastic and the increase in recycling is an achievement that residents should be extremely proud of."

The second part of the Cashback Challenge for Hyndburn residents will run from 1 October 2012 to 31 March 2013 and 40 council tax cashback prizes will be on offer.

Checks will be made after the prize draw to ensure the winners are recycling their waste.