SCHOOLS in Burnley could be financially better off -- if they take part in a new recycling scheme.

The Yellow Woods Challenge is offering schools a top cash prize of £2,000 for the school collecting the most yellow pages.

The challenge is a new recycling initiative run by Yellow Pages, The Directory Recycling Scheme and the Woodland Trust, in association with the council.

Burnley Council have arranged a collection service to take place in all participating schools in the town in a bid to compete for various cash prizes.

Schools have to collect Yellow Pages with the fluffy chicks on the front cover when the new edition is delivered in the next couple of weeks.

Claire Drury, Burnley's Yellow Woods Challenge organiser, said: "We're delighted to be taking part in the challenge. It's a simple, fun and educational competition that will benefit schools and the environment."

The Yellow Woods Challenge offers something for all participating schools, with the school that collects the most receiving £300.

All schools will be automatically entered into the UK finals for a chance to win a top prize of £2,000. All participating schools will receive a certificate and an education pack to bring the challenge to life in the classroom.

Richard Duggleby, a spokesman for Yell, the publisher of Yellow Pages, said: "It aims to educate young people about the environment.

"We hope the challenge will show that doing even the smallest things can make a real difference to our world."

For every pound awarded to schools by Yellow Pages in prize money, the same will be donated to the Woodland Trust to help keep native woodland alive.