COTSWOLD residents are being encouraged to recycle their Christmas tree with the garden waste.

Real trees, along with holly, ivy and mistletoe can be put out for recycling after garden waste collections resume from January 10.

There is no need to be signed up for garden waste collections for this service - trees can simply be left at the kerbside with the food waste bins and recycling boxes on the green collection day.

All decorations and lights should be removed from the trees before they are put out for collection, and if a tree is larger than 120cm (4 feet) it should be broken into smaller pieces.

Anyone in flats with a communal bin will need to call 01993 861000 to arrange collection.

All collected trees will be turned into compost along with other garden waste collected in the district.

For more details about waste and recycling visit westoxon.gov.uk/bins or call 01993 861000.