For the first time, North Tyneside Council entered into a partnership with the Woodland Trust to keep cards out of landfill sites and raise funds for the conservation and creation of UK woodlands.

A collection point was set up at Tesco in Norham Road, North Shields, where, earlier his year, three tonnes of Christmas cards were collected to be recycled.

Money raised also helps the Woodland Trust to save existing, and create new, woodland.

In recognition of the success of this year's initiative, the Woodland Trust has planted one of the trees in North Tyneside's honour at the Fox and Parrot Wood in Craghead, Stanley.

Coun John Stirling, cabinet member with responsibility for sustainable development and planning, said: "Thanks to the efforts of residents and businesses more than 26 per cent of household waste was recycled last year.

"And by introducing a new wheeled bin, we believe we can improve the borough's recycling performance even further.

"Recycling Christmas cards is another way that will help reduce the amount of waste being dumped in landfill sites."