City councillors have really caught the recycling bug.

After months of languishing at the bottom of the county 'league table', they are at last making a determined effort to catch up with other councils.

John Tanner, the executive member for the environment, has set out his stall -- he plans to take the city to the top of the table.

Later this year, the council will launch its wheelie bin scheme, offering householders the chance to recycle cardboard, glass, plastic and green waste.

And as we reveal today, if some councillors have their way, it will recycle dinner leftovers as well.

Judging from the letters we have published, some people are apprehensive, but experience in other districts shows that most quickly adjust and are happy to do their bit for the environment.

We wish Mr Tanner and his colleagues well in their bid to "sell" the scheme.

The city has languished behind in its recycling performance for far too long.