A boost to the number of residents recycling in the borough has helped Croydon Council win 'local authority team of the year' at the National Recycling Awards.

The award came after the six-strong team encouraged residents to recycle, including those with poor English by becoming fluent in a range of foreign languages.

Figures show about 70 per cent of people the team have spoken to now regularly recycle, helping the council improve its overall recycling rate, which is now just under 45 per cent.

Robin Latchem, Editor of Materials Recycling Week, who ran the awards, said: "The judges were impressed with Croydon’s work, particularly the way in which they have shown how, by taking the time to speak to residents, it’s possible to significantly improve recycling rates."

Councillor Phil Thomas, cabinet member for highways and environmental services described the award as a brilliant achievement.