SHOPKEEPERS in Bridport are being encouraged to back the campaign for a plastic bag-free town.

The Chamber of Trade and Commerce is asking members to stock a unique range of reusable carriers being produced by community recycling group Bridport TLC.

The bag is made using some of the town's waste that would otherwise be headed for landfill.

A spokesman for the group said: "The pressure is mounting on all of us to find alternatives to the plastic bag so we're delighted to endorse the truly Bridport bag which the chamber has supported by providing funds for an industrial sewing machine."

The chamber says that traders can support this unique and fascinating initiative' by stocking the long-life bag for sale at their businesses.

They say it is a real local effort because it is made in the town from recycled/reused materials, including Bridport rope, and has distinctive local branding.

The silver bag was previously a sack containing plastic granules used by AAV Plastics, the handles are off-cuts from local net and rope-making firms and the brass eyelets are fitted using a machine funded by Gerard Morgan-Grenville.

The bag has been designed by TLC's Tess Dixon and made by volunteers at the group.

Ms Dixon hopes that businesses will support the initiative and stock the bags for sale.

"They're fun, quirky and very individual, but above all they make a really practical bag.

"To be able to create this from things that would otherwise go straight to landfill is really exciting," she said.

The bags, which are priced £3.50, can be found at a number of outlets in the town including the Tourist Information Centre, Smith & Smith and Bridport Arts Centre. To order them shopkeepers can contact Rosie at Bridport TLC on 01308 425916 or email: rosie@bridport-tlc.org.uk