Readers can help a local good cause just by recycling their rubbish.

Bracknell Forest Council's successful recycling rewards scheme is offering residents the chance to turn their points into a cash donation to a local community project or charity.

Anyone living in Bracknell Forest can suggest a local project or good cause which meets the eligibility criteria at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/recyclingincentiveschemegoodcauses between April 1 and April 17.

At the end of the nomination period, all eligible good causes will go into a draw. Three causes will be picked out at random and posted on a special page on the Bracknell Forest Council website.

If you’re a recycling rewards scheme member you can donate your rewards points online from your account to one or more of the three good causes any time between May 1 and July 31.

When the donation period ends, the points total will be recorded and £1,000 will be split between the three causes. The funds will be split in proportion to the points donated to each good cause.

In this case, points don’t mean pounds, points mean a percentage of the £1,000 pot.

Cllr Dorothy Hayes, Bracknell Forest Council's executive member for the environment, said: "This is a really exciting development for the recycling rewards scheme.

"Some members of the scheme don't want or need the rewards we currently have on offer using the e+card, but they can still put their points to really good use.

"We have more than 6,000 residents already signed up to the scheme. It's very easy to join.

"Just go to www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/recyclingincentivescheme or inquire at any of our libraries or leisure or call customer services on 01344 352000, and start earning 200 points every time you recycle correctly in your blue bin." There will be a second round of donations later in the year, with nominations in July and donations between August and October.