A PIONEERING recycling scheme in Rossendale was due to be launched today.

Environmental services manager, David Rigby, said: "Unlike other authorities, we are not aiming to hit specific areas and have targeted people from all kinds of houses. We want everyone to get into the idea of recycling, not just to pick an area where it is possible people are more likely to recycle than others."

Rossendale's scheme is starting with the first 6,500 homes in Shawforth, the Pennine Road area of Bacup, and parts of Waterfoot, Rawtenstall and Helmshore, which will receive tagged blue wheelie bins to collect recyclable waste. Collections will begin in early October.

The second phase will start at the end of October, when 6,500 tagged brown wheelie bins will be delivered to collect green waste with the collection starting in November.

The third will involve blue boxes and bags for glass, cans and paper with collections beginning the month after.