The Argus is to be congratulated on its 125 Trees For Sussex competition, which will not only enhance our environment but also recognises organisations who have contributed to our communities.

Readers may be interested to know there is a scheme which will enable everyone in West Sussex to contribute towards the county being enriched with native trees.

And it couldn't be simpler - all you have to do is recycle your aluminium cans through can banks, kerbside collections or community recycling schemes.

West Sussex County Council and local borough and district councils have teamed up with the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro), a not-for-profit organisation, which will contribute one tree for every tonne of aluminium cans recycled.

Alupro will also contribute trees to a sustainable forest project in West Africa.

So, as well as giving recycling a boost, residents will also be helping to improve their local landscape.

Recycling aluminium uses only five per cent of the energy needed to make it from the raw material. And with recycled cans often back on shop shelves in as little as six weeks, the energy savings quickly mount up.

-Frank Wilkinson, cabinet member, strategic planning, West Sussex County Council