PARENTS in County Durham are being urged to switch from disposable nappies.

Real Nappy Week, which starts on Monday, aims to reduce the eight million throw-away nappies that end up in landfill sites each day.

Councils are backing the campaign and holding promotional events at which people can find out more about using cloth nappies.

Six-month-old Cecile Marsden, of Framwellgate Moor, Durham City, has had cloth nappies since she was born.

Her mother Heather said: "Today's reusable nappies are a far cry from the traditional terry nappy of old and much more user-friendly.

"They certainly work out cheaper than buying disposable nappies and Cecile is more than happy wearing them, and doing her bit for the environment."

Councillor Brian Myers, Durham County Council's cabinet member for waste management, said: "Real nappies could save parents around £500 on the cost of keeping a baby in disposable nappies.

"You can kit out a baby in real nappies for under £70 while that will pay for only 10 to 12 weeks of disposables."

Parents who want to change to real nappies can get a free week's trial with local nappy laundering service Durham Happy Nappies on 0191-387 4040. A promotional events is being held at Durham City Market today, between 10am and 3pm.