WORKSHOPS are to be held to show people how worms can turn waste into compost.

Anyone who takes a plastic bin with a lid to Eggleston Show on Saturday, September 15, or to the Morrison Busty Depot, at Stanley, from 9am to noon on Thursday, September 27, can get information on creating wormeries.

Councillor Alan Cox, Durham County Council's cabinet member for waste management, said: "Some people may squirm at worms, but the creatures are great for the garden and the environment.

"Worms can be used as waste processors to turn kitchen scraps into luxurious, highly nutritious compost.

"Wormeries can be made at home - even by those who live in a flat. All you need is a plastic bin with a lid, a drill, some sand or gravel, wooden sticks, plastic water butt tap and some worms.

"You can feed the worms kitchen scraps and, after a few week, you should be able to collect some liquid which you can dilute to feed plants."

The sessions are being organised by the County Durham and Darlington Waste Awareness Partnership and are open only to County Durham residents.

A guide to wormeries is available from Daniel O'Connor at the council on 0191-383 3186. Ready-made wormeries are also available from www.recycle now.org.uk/compost