A SHINING light for recycling rates in the UK, Oxfordshire is also helping to show Europe the way.

The third European Week for Waste Reduction began on Saturday, with 19 events across the county.

A range of events, from a swap shop in Headington to a compost workshop in Little Wittenham, near Didcot, are planned.

Some of the larger events include an Oxford City Roadshow, in Templars Square tomorrow, and in the Westgate Centre on Friday.

On Saturday there will be a recycling gift-making workshop in Wantage and, on Sunday, tree-planting at Hogacre Common, South Oxford.

Oxfordshire Waste Partnership chairman David Dodds, said: “Oxfordshire is leading the way nationally, with our impressive recycling rates equalling those in some European neighbours.

“I hope that some of the activities that we’ve got going on over the next few days will help inspire people to cut waste.”

For more details, contact eileen.robinson@Oxfordshire.

gov.uk or 08450 504550.