Marathon bottles to be recycled

This year's London Marathon takes place on Sunday 22 April

Plastic water bottles discarded during this year's London Marathon will be recycled by Westminster City Council.

Runners discard more than 50,000 bottles during the annual 26-mile race.

Recycling bins will be placed along the part of the route that passes through Westminster, where bottles left on the ground will be removed by sweepers.

Once collected on 22 April, the bottles will be turned into eco-friendly clothing and upholstery for car seats, the council said.

Councillor Alan Bradley, cabinet member for street environment, said: "We are working behind the scenes to ensure the only thing the runners have to worry about is reaching the finishing line."

Marathon runners pass through Westminster towards the end of the race, before crossing the finishing line in front of Buckingham Palace.