A SCHOOLBOY's design is helping a council's drive to reduce the use of plastic carrier bags.

Durham County Council is campaigning to reduce the number of carriers that end up in landfill sites.

It has spent more than £2,000 on about 2,000 bags made of jute, which it says could be the environment-friendly solution to the problem.

The bags will feature a design by 11-year-old Jordan Gibson. It was chosen in a competition and won Jordan a £20 voucher.

Jordan's message, "recycle and reuse rubbish'', will appear on the bag along with the logos of local supermarkets.

People will be able to test the bag at eight roadshows across the county next month.

Waste minimisation officer Vicki Wooton said: "The bags are quite durable. They last for quite some time and you can wash them. People can use them over and over again.''

The bags are made in India for Worcestershire company Jutexpo. Because they are made from a natural material they are 100 per cent organic.

Sainsbury's supermarket in Durham is one of three in the country to try bags made from tapioca starch.

Durham County Council is keen to promote its green credentials and encourage more people to recycle and look after the environment.

Jordan's logo will also be used in the council's green awareness campaign, which will coincide with the roadshows.