Market traders in Blackburn and Darwen are doing their bit for the environment by cutting the amount of waste sent to landfills.

Traders working closely with Blackburn with Darwen Council have reduced waste going to landfill by separating their cardboard packaging for recycling.

The amount of cardboard now being recycled is the size of a large car if piled in one place - and that equals 50 cars-worth over a year.

At Darwen Market, at least 10 cubic metres of packaging is being sent for recycling each week. Over the year that is more than 500 cubic metres.

Similar results are being seen at Blackburn Market.

And Blackburn Market is set to recycle even more when a special cardboard bailer is introduced in April. The new bailer should double the amount of cardboard being recycled.

Terry Longden, markets manager, said both markets were making efforts to be greener.

He added that Darwen Market customers can bring their old shoes for recycling. Cobbler Tony Conway in the Market Hall collects them for the benefit of the Variety Club of Great Britain.

He added customers were also pitching in by reusing their carrier bags in an effort to cut down on the mountain of plastic bags that are thrown away every year.

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration, said: "I welcome every attempt to encourage recycling in Blackburn with Darwen. Traders at the markets are showing the way for others.