Thanks to Gosport residents popping their empty cans into the council's recycling bins, 28 orange trees have been planted in Malawi.

Whenever a ton of aluminium has been recycled in the borough a tree is planted in the third world country.

Deputy council leader Peter Chegwyn said: 'We are delighted to hear that after just one year, recyclers in Gosport have been responsible for providing 28 fruit trees to the project.

'I believe this to be an excellent scheme and would urge everyone to make sure that they always recycle their drinks cans as this will not only help build a sustainable future in Malawi, but help our environment.'

The council is taking part in the project run by Ripple Africa, a charity which helps people in the poverty-stricken continent, and the non-profit company, the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation.

A plaque is planted at the spot of the orange trees telling people they are donated by the people of Gosport, pictured.

Cherry Hamson, from APRO, recently visited the country to see the orange grove, which includes the saplings planted thanks to Gosport recyclers. She said: 'The project gives rural Malawian villages a connection to the communities in the UK and we think it's a great idea.

'The idea came from one of the Ripple team, who thought it would be good.

'The plaque will acknowledge the contribution made by people in Gosport and it will be given to the local community orchards when the trees are planted so that they know where the trees and the help came from.'

The trees are grown and cared for by local garden clubs and schools.

As well as providing fresh fruit for the local people, it helps students learn about gardening and horticulture.

Some of the fruit will go towards feeding the community while some will be sold to help raise cash for and improve lives of local people.