STAFF have helped Timsbury's Household Waste Recycling Centre scooped a new county council 'in house' award for first-class performance.

The Bunny Lane site has been named the county's winter site of the season by Hampshire's recycling officials. It is one of 24 household waste recycling sites across the county. Hampshire's newly introduced site of the season award was set up to encourage waste recycling centres to further improve their service and will be awarded quarterly to the site that has made a special effort and commitment to recycling and customer service.

Timsbury staff received a hamper in recognition of their work and two certificates will go on show at the site, which serves the Romsey area, to highlight its achievements in recycling.

Those behind the award judged the site on its efficiency to reduce waiting time for people queuing to dump their rubbish and the tidiness of the recycling centre. Hampshire's cabinet spokesman for the environment, Tim Knight, praised staff.

"Congratulations to Timsbury Household Waste Recycling Centre for winning the award. Staff have worked hard to make their site as easy as possible to use and fully deserve the award.

"Hampshire's HWRCs play and important role in helping people recycle and it's nice to see the 24 sites doing their best to make recycling an easier and better experience for users," said Mr Knight.