OLYMPIC windsurfer Bryony Shaw is urging people to get on board for a new recycling campaign this summer.

She has backed the project to encourage residents to ‘recycle, reduce and reuse’.

Bryony, who won bronze at the Beijing Olympic Games, helped launch the initiative at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy today.

Bryony, 26, from Weymouth, said: “From the huge amount of time I spend on the waves around Dorset I have developed a real respect and appreciation for our environment.

“It’s easy to do your bit while having a good time this summer just by recycling more and taking care about what you buy and throw away.”

The campaign has been organised by the Dorset Reduction and Recycling Group – a network of councils working together – including Dorset County Council.

Recycling officers will be out over the summer to promote the recycling, reduce and reuse message to young people.

Dorset Reduction and Recycling Group chairman Louise Bryant said: “At 48 per cent Dorset has one of the very best recycling rates in the whole country but more can still be done to help reduce the amount that goes to be buried in the ground at landfill sites.

“And that’s good for the environment as it helps cut the build-up of methane – a greenhouse gas 20 times more powerful than carbon dioxide.

“Landfill sites are also becoming increasingly expensive for councils to use – and that has huge implications for the taxpayer in years to come.”

The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy has backed the scheme.

Chief executive John Tweed said: “The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy is delighted to be supporting the new recycling campaign from the Dorset Reduction and Recycling Group.

“We are committed to recycling here at the academy, we strongly encourage all staff and visitors to use the recycling bins located around the venue.”

People can make a deposit at recycling banks and centres or use the kerbside service.