GARDENERS are being urged to take up a council initiative to compost their green waste.

Durham County Council is encouraging people to use compost as an environmentally friendly alternative to peat.

To help gardening or environmental enthusiasts to make the transition, the local authority is giving people the opportunity to try a free home compost bin for 60 days.

The bins come in two sizes and at the end of the trial period can be bought for the reduced prices of £15 and £20. For details telephone 0870 844 3021.