WEST Fife householders are being reminded that bin collections will be carried out early in preparation for festive closures.

Refuse due to be picked up on Christmas Day or Boxing Day will be collected on December 22 and 23 while the following week, bins will be emptied on December 29 and 30 as collections will not take place on January 1 and 2.

All recycling centres will be open on December 24, 27, 31 as well as January 3 and will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, January 1 and 2.

No special uplifts will take place between December 21 and January 7 and anyone wanting to recycle their real Christmas tree can do so for free by cutting it up and putting it in their brown bin.

During the holidays, most of Fife Council will close on December 24, 25, 26 and 31 as well as January 1 and 2.

Out of hours support is still available and anyone requiring an emergency social work or housing repair or urgent information relating to a birth, death or marriage can call 03451 55 00 99.

Scottish Welfare Fund grant applications can be applied for online through www.fifedirect.org.uk.