NEARLY 18,000 unwanted bras have been donated to Hertsmere Borough Council over the last 12 months.

The news emerged on the anniversary of the council’s bra recycling scheme, which was launched in March 2009.

Since the launch, some 17,913 bras –weighing more than 1,053 kg – have either been reused by women in poorer countries or recycled.

Plus, for every kilo of bras recycled, �1 has been raised for the Breast Cancer Campaign, a charity which funds innovative research into the disease.

Cllr Jean Heywood, environment portfolio holder, said: “It’s brilliant that this scheme has been so well supported.

“Thank you to everyone who has taken part.

“By recycling your bras, not only will less waste be sent to landfill but women in poorer countries will benefit and you will be helping to fund research into breast cancer.”

If you have any old bras then you can drop them into one of the council’s pink bra banks.

Bras should be placed in a bag before they are deposited.

In Potters Bar, bras can be dropped off in the reception of the borough council’s area office at the Wyllyotts Centre in Darkes Lane or in the car park or women’s changing rooms at the Furzefield Leisure Centre in Mutton Lane.