STAFF and pupils of St Dubricius First School, Porlock, are taking steps to reduce waste and be more environmentally friendly.

Children in years three and four are trialling new book bags made from recycled fabric.

Previously each pupil would have had their books in a plastic wallet, which may have needed replacing two or three times during the school year.

The new fabric bags, created by class teacher Sue Flatley should last them the whole year. All the fabric used was recycled from donations or material already in school and the cord was donated by Threads of Minehead.

The school is hoping to roll the idea out to every class over the coming months, with the support of a band of parents volunteering with their sewing kits.