DOZENS of wannabe recyclers have stepped up to volunteer their services as rubbish-sorting "guinea pigs" after a Shuttle/Times and News appeal.

We asked for volunteers to test the new recycling and wheelie-bin collection scheme which, from July, is set to revolutionise the way Wyre Forest people get rid of their rubbish.

And our phones were red-hot with people coming forward to offer their help, representing a wide range of attitudes towards recycling.

Natalie Bourne, who has six children aged one to 10, said her family "rarely recycled" and in fact had to make regular trips to the tip to get rid of extra rubbish.

"We would like to do more but it can be so much hassle.

"We would definitely do more if they are collecting the recycling from the door," said Natalie, from Stourport.

Her view was echoed by Anne Smith, a mum-of-five from Kidderminster, who said: "A doorstep collection is exactly what we need."

Canon Guy Smith, who lives with his wife in Areley Kings, has visited Germany, where recycling is a priority issue. "We are very keen to recycle as much of our rubbish as we can - the German model is wonderful."

Eric Carson, of Whitehill Road, Kidderminster, said he and his wife only throw away half a binbag of rubbish a week, with the rest recycled. "I produce bags and bags of garden rubbish which I take to the tip, and most of our other rubbish is taken for recycling."

Mike Lacey, 50, of Offmore, said he and his family - including two dogs, three cats and a rabbit - recycle most of their rubbish and let their neighbours fill up the leftover space in their wheelie bin. "We can even recycle some food through the rabbit!" he added.

And teacher Faye Evans, of Bewdley, said she couldn't wait for the scheme to get started.

Shuttle/Times and News will now work with Wyre Forest District Council to select four suitable families to take part in the experiment, which will involve them sorting all their rubbish into separate recycling boxes and recycling as much as possible over two weeks in March.

The results of the trial run will feature in our pages - including any problems highlighted. In the meantime, we are still keen to hear from you about your recycling experiences. Write to The Editor, Shuttle/Times and News, 6 Towers Buildings, Blackwell Street, Kidderminster DY10 2DY.