A FIREARMS officer in Lancashire has launched a new ecologically-friendly scheme to help save money and improve the environment.

Insp Steve Bradshaw came up with the idea to recycle used empty ammunition cases during a firearms training session.

The firearms training department is responsible for the training dozens of officers each year with the results from the new project already bearing fruit.

The first batch of the metal cases, weighing a total of 1,220kg, has now been recycled producing £2,440 in revenue for the Constabulary and saving around two tonnes of c02.

Insp Bradshaw said: “There are two main advantages to recycling ammunition cases.

“It not only helps the environment by red-ucing carbon emissions, but it also generates income for the Constabulary.

“Having recycled the first batch, the scheme will now be part and parcel of our department’s practices and I am sure will become a successful long-term project for us.”

Chief Superintendent Bill McMahon, the Divisional Commander responsible for Firearms Support, said: “Steve’s innovative idea is greatly welcomed by both the unit and the constabulary as a whole, and it will no doubt help us with our resource management.”