Councillor Kay Twitchen has pledged the council will increase the amount of office paper recycled by County Hall by 10 tonnes over the next 12 months.

The recycling will save 2,890 trees, which is 170 tonnes of paper.

Coun Twitchen, who holds the environment portfolio on the council's cabinet, said she hoped residents would also make small steps to recycle more.

Prize draw

They could include recycling as much as possible for a month.

All of the promises are being entered into a prize draw.

"Everyone can make a promise to do something small, such as recycling more" said Kay Twitchen.

"The thing to remember is that small actions can make big changes, and this is the first small step towards larger change.

"We all have a responsibility to Essex and the environment. By promising to make a change we can all help to fulfil that responsibility."

There will be 24 prizes of a wind-up radio.

The council's website gives information on recycling in the county.