recycling rates in Wychavon have exceeded government targets over the past two months, it was revealed this week.

But the year-end total is likely to be just 19 per cent, lower than the target figure of 21 per cent.

However, council leader Martin Jennings insisted Wychavon had one of the best recycling rates in the county.

The latest figures from Defra, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, revealed that Wychavon recycling rates dropped by 2.1 percentage points to reach an overall rate of 21.1 per cent.

Council officials said the department was dealing with out-of-date figures, although Defra claimed the data showed results of 2004/5.

Cllr Jennings pointed to the introduction of glass recycling in the district in October last year as one of the ways forward and he encouraged people to continue to recycle their waste wherever possible.

People in Lichfield continue to be some of the best recyclers and composters in the country, reaching 46.4 per cent in 2004/05, according to the Defra figures.

Waste management officer Mark Edwards from Wychavon District Council said: "These figures reflect our performance before the bulk supply of recycling sacks was introduced and prior to the household collection of glass.

"With these new measures we expect to increase recycling to over 19 per cent this financial year."

For more information on strategy review and the rates in full is available at www.defra.gov.uk.