MILK-LOVING residents are being sought to help raise money for a charity which cares for dying people by recycling used bottle tops.

As part of an aluminium foil recycling scheme pioneered by Surrey's Waste Management team, the community is being urged to keep its foil and not bin it.

So far the team has collected more than five million milk bottle tops for the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, a Farnham-based charity, which cares for patients with life-limiting illnesses.

The Waverley Lane site relies almost exclusively on charitable donations, but thanks to the recycling scheme it is able to take all the foil collected to a scrap metal dealership, which then swaps the foil for cash.

Community fundraiser Claire Walker said: "Every little bit helps. It is amazing to think that every time you take your washed out foil to be recycled you are supporting care for so many people.

"So far we have received almost £300 from the scheme and we are likely to get a lot more once this latest batch is weighed."

Waste minimisation officer Natalie Riches is delighted that her brainchild has been so successful.

She said: "I am so pleased our foil recycling bank at Charlton Lane is being used more and more by keen Spelthorne residents.

"Collecting aluminium foil for recycling not only helps reduce Surrey's waste, but also raises funds for a very worthwhile charity."

For further information contact Surrey Waste Management on 02087861090