COUNCIL bosses are asking residents to "step it up" in their fight against climate change after welcoming a celebrity ambassador.

Braintree Council teamed up with Recycle Now in a bid to get more people to develop better recycling habits.

To front Recycle Now’s recycle week campaign, TV presenter, Invictus Games medallist and Strictly Come Dancing Star JJ Chalmers has been unveiled as a new ambassador.

Every year recycle week is held to unite retailers, brands, waste management companies, trade associations, national and local governments and the media to focus on how recycling can play a part in limiting climate change

JJ is a keen environmentalist and is partnering with Recycle Now to inspire residents to help protect the planet.

He said: “I’m thrilled to be part of this year’s campaign. I’m passionate about the environment and how we can battle climate change.

“I am delighted to be working with the Recycle Now team on what has become a really important week of action.

“I really want to encourage people to look at what they are doing and how they can do even more, even better.”

It comes as the council and Recycle Now ask residents to perfect recycling habits.

According to the council, the latest national research reveals that almost nine out of 10 people now recycle, but 55 per cent of households put items in the general rubbish bin that can be recycled

The council says residents can help fight climate change by recycling, which currently saves 18 million tonnes of CO2 every year, which is the same as taking 12 million cars off the road.

Environment boss Wendy Schmitt said: “We are keen to support the national campaign and would ask everyone to make sure they are recycling the correct items that we can accept."