A TEN ton pile of compost collected from kerbsides and recycling centres is being given away at a free event in Bishop Auckland next month.

Bags from the massive mound of garden waste can be collected from a Big Heap Roadshow at the B and Q store, in Hardisty Drive, on Thursday April 10.

The event is part of a County Durham-wide initiative to encourage home composting.

Visitors will be told about a discounted home compost scheme and an adviser will be there to answer questions.

Paula George, waste minimisation and recycling officer with Wear Valley District Council, said: "The aim of the initiative is to show residents what compost looks and feels like and demonstrate how easy it is to produce using a home compost bin.

"At least 30 per cent of the household bin can be composted including old flowers and plants, shredded paper and fruit and vegetable peelings.

"Organic waste in a compost bin has access to air and therefore is much better for the environment as no methane is produced. It also provides free nutritious compost for the garden."

People can take up to three bags per household and are advised to arrive early.

Volunteers will bag the compost and carry it to cars.

Home bins are available until next Monday (March 31) at reduced prices. Buy a 220 litre bin for £8 or a 330 litre bin for £10, including delivery, from 0845-077-0757, www-recylenow.com/compost.