EAST Lindsey District Council is up for a green award due to its commitment to recycling and is calling all residents to cast a vote to put it in the running.

According to the latest performance data from ELDC, which still has to be audited nationally, the recycling rate in the district has now risen to 60 per cent – up more than 2.5 per cent on the record-breaking performance in 2007/08 of 58.4 per cent.

ELDC's Victoria Burgess, a familiar face to many families, supported the introduction of the three wheeled bin recycling service to 64,000 homes and the community engagement programme that accompanied it. Because of this Victoria will be flying the 'Team East Lindsey' flag in the awards, which are open for voting until July 2.

She said: "The response from the community was fantastic and they are responsible for the recycling revolution that has swept our District.

"My team worked hand in hand with the community, listening to their issues and finding practical solutions to the problems some people faced, including lack of space to house the bins. We also provided advice on recycling to those who at first thought they couldn't cope with the bin sizes.

"Our change in approach to recycling has meant that we're continuing to go from strength to strength and we must continue to keep up the good work. I am delighted to be flying the 'Team East Lindsey' flag in these awards and, fingers crossed, our efforts will be recognised nationally again. Keep up the good work."

Cllr Dick Edginton, in charge of amenities at the council, said: "The success of our recycling endeavours is due to a combination of the excellent work of the team, headed by Victoria, and the public who fully supported the recycling project from the word go. Hitting a 60% recycling rate is great news for everyone. Victoria's well-deserved nomination is recognition of her efforts in helping East Lindsey residents become number one recyclers. I hope Victoria and the team can count on the community's support."

The award winner will be announced on July 2 at the annual Local Government Association Conference.

In November, DEFRA confirmed that East Lindsey residents were the UK's number one recyclers.