Cabinet minister, Eric Pickles, praised Havering businesses for their good work following a recycling scheme yesterday.

The secretary of state for communities and local government visited Romford to assess the benefits of the London Green Points in the borough a year on from its launch.

He said: “I was delighted to see how well this approach, supported by government funding, has been working for the people of Havering and I urge other councils to follow suit and encourage families to go green.”

The scheme began a year ago and gives rewards on a points card to people who recycle more and the London Green Points care gives residents discounts at shops and cafés.

Murat Shahin, the owner of Café Bueno, one of more than a hundred businesses involved with the scheme, said: “We have had good feedback from people who are part of the scheme and I am happy to see their London Green Points cards every time they are paying.”

Mr Pickles also stopped by the café in High Street, Romford, to present prizes to the winners of the Havering Young Reporters challenge.

They were tasked with writing a report on reducing, reusing and recycling.

Year 10 student, Shaye Wettner, from the Albany School in Hornchurch won first prize while the Eco Club at Coopers Coburn and Company School in Upminster were presented with a special innovation prize for their “eco-rap”.