A TELEVISION presenter with a passion for the countryside has become the latest to sign a pledge promising to try and eradicate single use plastics in his home county.

Matt Baker, from the BBC’s The One Show and Countryfile, has signed the County Durham Single Use Plastic Pledge.

Durham County Council is now urging other organisations and businesses to join the network and sign up online.

Matt was joined on The One Show by headteacher at St Bede’s RC Primary School in Sacriston, Eve Alderson, and eight-year-old eco-warrior Violet Wiecek to talk about their school’s plastic free journey.

After the show the Easington-born presenter signed the pledge joining organisations such as Northumbrian Water, Durham University and Durham Constabulary in committing to significantly reduce, and work towards ultimately removing single use plastics from their operations.

Mrs Alderson said: “We had such a great time, it was a lot of fun and helped to publicise the plastic free cause and show that we are leading the way up here in Durham.”

Early wins for the pledge have included the elimination of plastic straws and cutlery, phasing out of blue plastic overshoes at leisure centres, recycled materials used for road surfacing and the expansion of free water bottle refill stations.

Oliver Harmar, area director of Environment Agency North East, said by working together to share good practice and win hearts and minds to change culture the environmental impact of plastic waste can be reduced.

On World Environment Day– June 5– the council launched an online network of hints and tips from businesses and groups on how to reduce plastic waste. Those involved can complete a questionnaire and download a certificate showing their support and commitment.

Councillor Brian Stephens, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “The new network will allow people to share hints and tips on things you can do to reduce your use of single plastics. These include simple changes such as carrying a shopping bag instead of buying a plastic bag and investing in a reusable coffee cup.”

For details durham.gov.uk/singleuseplastics