NORTH TAYSIDE MSP John Swinney played his part in ensuring a green finish to the 2004 festive season on a recycling mission in Forfar yesterday.

Mr Swinney visited the town’s Tesco store to meet manager Paul Gallacher and add his sack of old Christmas cards to the store’s card recycling bin.

“I always try to recycle as much re-usable material as I can, and my Christmas cards are no exception,” explained the MSP.

“I put my cards in the Tesco recycling bin in Forfar and they will be recycled for the Woodland Trust.”

Mr Swinney added, “I would encourage anyone who has not yet recycled their seasonal cards to do so now.

“It is important that we all do our bit to save the environment and this is one way in which everyone can help.

“The scheme runs until January 31, so constituents still have time to clear out those old cards.

“Last year the public recycled 45 million Christmas cards, or 883 tonnes, which is the equivalent of saving 15,011 trees.

“This is a phenomenal figure and I hope that this year’s collection of cards will surpass this.”