OLD rubbish proved to be a money-spinner for one York resident, who won a city

council prize for his recycling efforts.

Michael Gibbons, of Wharton Avenue, won £50 in the newly-launched scheme to encourage residents to use its recycling services.

The City of York Council initiative was launched last month as part of the kerbside recycling collections for 1,143 homes in the Clifton area. It will run until the end of March.

Mr Gibbons said: "It was a nice Christmas present. I hope that the scheme encourages other people to recycle using the box and bag too."

Every time a collection takes place, one household with a box or bag out for

recycling will receive the cash prize. The winners are picked at random.

Residents who receive help with their collections can also take part, providing their box is at the collection point by 7am.

The incentive scheme is being funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to encourage more people to recycle.

Updated: 09:24 Saturday, January 07, 2006