RESIDENTS in north Wiltshire are being given the opportunity to buy compost bins at the price of £6 as part of a scheme to promote recycling and reduce rubbish in the area.

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust invited complete beginners as well as keen gardeners to attend one of two free sessions that were run last weekend.

The trust has joined forces with North Wiltshire District Council to promote the new scheme and throughout the sessions Rebecca Midgley, composting officer for the trust, was available to give advice and information on using compost bins to maximum benefit.

The sessions were held at Neston Memorial Hall on Saturday morning and at Whitehall Garden Centre in Lacock on Sunday afternoon.

Sylvia Doubell, the district council's lead member for recycling and waste management said: "Many people already recycle glass, tins, paper, plastic and cardboard.

"Home composting is another excellent way to reduce the amount we are putting into landfill. The initiative by the trust to promote these bins at the greatly reduced price of £6 opens up a great opportunity for DIY composting which is cheap, easy and fun.

"I am sure this initiative will be very popular."

Founding member of Neston Recycling Group, Andy Collet, said: "I'm no expert at composting but I do want to make a difference to the environment.

"Neston produces 11 tonnes of rubbish each week and we could cut this figure in half by composting our organic waste."

The compost bins usually retail at £39.95.

They are now available from Whitehall Garden Centre, Trowbridge Garden Centre or SCATS Country Store.

They can be ordered for a home delivery by contacting 0870844 3005.