The Lutterworth Plastic Bag Reduction Group is gearing up for the special week, between Monday, January 19, and the following Saturday, when they hope shoppers will use their own re-useable bags.

The packs being given to retailers contain posters for shop windows and cards to leave by tills to give customers a friendly reminder.

Traders are being asked to display these during the week.

Elaine Carter, chairman of the Plastic Bag Reduction Week, said: "I hope everyone makes a real effort next week to remember to take their re-useable bags with them when they shop.

"I hope people in the town will get into the habit of keeping bags by the door or in the car so that they always have a bag to hand when they shop, as many people already do."

Members of the group, which is supported by Lutterworth Town Council, will be in Lutterworth town centre on the morning of Saturday, January 24, to give away free re-useable bags to shoppers.

Leicestershire County Council is supplying the free bags and at Lutterworth Town Hall on the same day is hosting a display about the environmental benefits of using fewer carrier bags.

Dr Carter added: "I'm delighted with the response so far from retailers.

"Many of them say they have already seen a reduction in the number of customers needing a bag and they are keen to move the campaign forward."