Liverpool has started 2008 in fantastic green style - with a massive 400 per cent increase in recycling.

Figures released this week, covering the three week period over Christmas and New Year, show residents recycled 1,900 tonnes of glass jars, plastic bottles, papers, cardboard, wrapping paper and Christmas cards - the equivalent weight of 475 Liver Birds.  

The figures have more than quadrupled from the 400 tonnes recycled last year.

And, the city council collected real Christmas trees at the kerbside, and residents made the most of it with 150 tonnes being picked up.

Liverpool city council's executive member for the environment, Lib Dem Councillor Berni Turner, said: "Before the festivities began we were urging everyone to recycle as much as they could over the Christmas period and try to double the total in 2006.

"To more than quadruple the amount is fantastic, and I want to say a huge thank you to all those residents who made the most of their blue and green wheelie bins. 

"I'm hoping that the success will carry on throughout 2008 and I'm confident that for the first time, Liverpool will exceed the government targets which have been set for 2008."

Government targets for 2008 state Liverpool should recycle 20 per cent of all waste collected, and it is predicted by the end of the financial year the city's residents will be recycling around 22 per cent.

Anyone with any questions about the recycling service can call Liverpool Direct on 0151 233 3001.