Figures released by Harborough District Council show that 48% of household waste in the 12 months up to April was either recycled or composted.

When the two bin and two box recycling scheme were first introduced less than 8% of rubbish was recycled.

Organisers of the scheme said the figures were something for the whole district to be proud of.

Since the introduction of the new recycling scheme, 19% of the total tonnage of household waste was recycled and 29% was composted.

A spokesman for Harborough District Council said: "The amount people have recycled is a great success and we are hoping the total will be among the highest in the country.

"The collection of alternate wheeled bins and the recycling service of dry recyclables covers all 33,455 houses in the 250-square mile district."