Brighton metal recycling firm George Richardson is offering canny local youngsters the opportunity to earn some extra pocket money during the summer break.

The New England Street firm is encouraging them to collect aluminium drinks cans for recycling.

The firm said that as well as raising funds, collectors will also be doing their bit to help protect the environment.

Ruth Meeke, the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation operations manager, said: "In Brighton each year, 12 million aluminium drinks cans are sold.

"If all of them were collected for recycling, more than £100,000 would be paid to collectors.

"That is money which would otherwise be thrown away and fund-raisers can't afford to ignore such opportunities.

"Aluminium can collection is a great way to raise funds but, more importantly, recyclers are also helping to protect the environment by saving natural resources, reducing litter and waste and saving energy.

"Recycling saves up to 95 per cent of the energy used to produce aluminium from raw materials."

Youngsters interested should ask their parents to contact 0121 633 4656.