ENGINEER Michael Crompton is celebrating after winning £100 just for recycling his old newspapers and magazines.

The 42-year-old BT worker won the cash after he was automatically entered into South Ribble Borough Council's new prize draw.

The council is working in partnership with UPM Shotton, Europe's biggest recycler of newspapers and magazines, to help meet stringent EU recycling target. The prize draw is a 'thank you' to users.

Michael, a father-of-two who lives in Samlesbury, used to work as an electrician in a paper mill himself before moving to BT.

Coun David Howarth, the council's executive member for the environment, said: "It's an exciting initiative and the extra incentive a £100 prize can add, simply for recycling, will hopefully see the streets lined with either green boxes or blue sacks come collection day."

Recycling couldn't be easier as the council provides all 44,000 households with blue bags specifically but 10,000 properties are also on the green box scheme for glass, cans and paper.

John Viviani of UPM Shotton, added: "With the help of South Ribble Council, which is dedicated to creating a healthier environment, we're determined to help foster a recycling culture across this part of Lancashire."