A special seasonal recycling message fitted to the side of its 15 refuse collection vehicles is helping Walsall Council get into the festive spirit.

The message ' 'Be a star & recycle this Christmas'  ' is one of a range of free graphics with a seasonal recycling theme offered by Spedian Vehicle Graphics Solutions.

The graphic will remain on the vehicles until the end of the Christmas period ' fitted to the Spedian graphics system ' and then can be easily removed without any damage to the vehicle and stored for use again next Christmas.

Lawrence Craig, CEO of Spedian, said: 'Every Christmas local authorities face a big challenge in collecting all the extra household rubbish that comes with the season.

'Advertising on the sides of refuse vehicles is a highly effective way of reminding local residents to recycle and cut down waste.  The message is highly visible and can be seen by each and every resident as the vehicles travel past.

'We are delighted that Walsall Council has taken us up on our offer and wish them a very successful campaign'

Den Edwards Procurement Officer Operations at Walsall Council commented: 'The offer from Spedian came at an ideal time as we were half-way through changing our communication campaign and were waiting until the next phase before we fitted these vehicles.

'To have the option of a Christmas message has made them all the more eye catching and, therefore, a great way to get our recycling message across to local residents. We are extremely pleased with the end result'

The Spedian system requires no nuts, bolts, screws, rivets or aluminium or plastic fittings to be fixed to the vehicle and it takes less than an hour to put in place. A campaign can be on the road within 10 days.