The scheme, funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will be used to employ eight people for two years.

The project will cover Darlington, Chester-le-Street, Durham City, Derwentside, Easington, Sedgefield, Wear Valley and Teesdale.

The money will be used to encourage more people to recycle.

Chris McEwan, Darlington Council's cabinet member for community protection, said: "The introduction last year of kerbside recycling in Darlington has really boosted recycling in the borough.

"But we still need to encourage more people to take part and this scheme will certainly help."

The money will also be used to improve co-operation between local authorities to improve recycling and waste minimisation.