PILES of garden waste were given away to shoppers as part of a bid to spread the word about home composting.

A Big Heap Roadshow was held at B & Q in Durham Retail Park, at Gilesgate Moor, Durham, on Saturday.

Durham County Council organised the event to persuade shoppers of the benefits of composting.

They were offered bags of compost, made from garden waste from kerbside recycling and waste recycling centres.

It is part of County Durham Waste Partnership's bid to introduce people to compost and to demonstrate how easy it can be produced using a home composter.

Councillor Brian Myers, cabinet member for waste management, said: "Compost is probably not the first thing on people's minds as they tuck into their tea, but waste such as potato peelings and carrot tops can easily be recycled to help make gardens flourish.

"Such waste can be given a new lease of life by putting it into a compost bin to allow nature to work its magic and transform it into no-cost, top of the range fertiliser."

Home compost bins are available at www.recyclenow. com/compost, or by calling 0845 077 0757.