People from across the Hammersmith and Fulham area have received cash prizes for their good work recycling.

Ten local residents won £500 in the council’s Golden Ticket prize draw, which is aimed at encouraging more people to recycle their household waste.

The prizes were handed out as recycling rates were shown to have dropped in some areas of west London, prompting London Assembly Member for the Green Party to encourage people to recycle more.

Some of the winners in the prize draw were taken on a tour of the recycling facility in Wandsworth run by Western Riverside Waste Authority to see what happens to their recycled waste.

Joining them was the council’s head of environment, Cllr Wesley Harcourt, who said: “Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all our residents who are taking part.

"Recycling is good for the environment and saves money that can be spent on essential services, so the more residents who do it, the better.”

One of the winners, Sameem Malek of Shepherds Bush, said: “I am really pleased that I was one of the winners, but I didn’t really do anything different – I’ve always been a keen recycler and always check everything that I put out.

“We have all got to do our bit to recycle.”

There are three more chances to win, with each of these draws offering 20 residents the chance to scoop £250 in cash.

The draws take place on December 18, February 12 and March 31.

For more details on the draws and how to get more golden tickets, visit www.wrwa.gov.uk/GoldenTicket.