Henfield is celebrating a year of being part of the small but increasing number of communities that have gone plastic bag free.

More than 40 of the retail outlets stopped giving out plastic carrier bags about a year ago, using environmentally friendly alternatives instead.

A small group representing traders and the Henfield Community Partnership has led the campaign. Tony Jackson, chairman of the group said, “We were inspired by the example Modbury in Devon set and wanted to show that people in Henfield also cared about the environment.

“Ridding the country of plastic bags is an issue where local action can really make a difference. Already we are seeing more and more residents are bringing their own bags and refusing to take a plastic bag.”

To encourage everyone to bring bags with them when shopping, each household has been given a free reusable cotton bag with an eye-catching image on the front, designed by local freelance designer Helen Boosey.

Leading High Street trader John Willis, who owns two shops, said: “I feel that our planet has been sadly abused and urgent action is needed to prevent permanent damage to our environment. Responsibility starts here, with us all, and Henfield's plastic bag free campaign recognises this.”

A wide range of businesses have agreed to stop issuing plastic bags which will save at least 10,000 per week. Budgens, the village’s local independently owned supermarket and biggest user of plastic bags, has enthusiastically embraced the campaign. Manager Nick Ward said: “We have long felt that plastic bags were unnecessary and this is our way of showing that traders can do their bit for the environment”.

As a result of this campaign, Henfield hopes to stop using at least half a million plastic bags a year, making a positive difference to the environment.