HOUSEHOLDS across Hartlepool are being urged to alter their shopping habits to reduce the amount of rubbish they produce.

Hartlepool Borough Council's environmental standards section has launched a campaign to promote slimmer bins. Environment co-ordinator Helen Beaman said minor changes to the way people shop can have a big impact. She said: "The majority of our rubbish is packaging. While this often cannot be avoided and is vital to maintain the quality of the product inside, there are measures we can all adopt to reduce waste." Hartlepool residents have already helped the council recycle 10 per cent of domestic waste two years ahead of a target date set by the Government and the authority now wants to build on its success. For details on how you can help, call (01429) 284065.

LANE CLOSURE: Work on the Lord McGowan Bridge, on the A1085 trunk road at Lackenby, east Cleveland, will begin on Monday and last for ten weeks. There will be lane closures while the work on water mains is carried out.

POETRY EVENT: To help celebrate National Poetry Day, Middlesbrough Central Lending Library is hosting a poetry event today at 10.30am. Local poets including Norah Hill, Bob Beagrie, Alan Watkiss and George Jarrett will be reading some of their work.

TOILET CONCERNS: Following concerns from visitors to Hartlepool Marina, who were unable to use the public toilets near the Historic Quay car park because they were locked, Hartlepool Borough Council has said it hopes to reopen and upgrade the toilets next year.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING: A Christmas shopping event is taking place at the Marks and Spencer store in Stockton's Wellington Square, today, until 7pm. The evening will allow shoppers the chance to sample Christmas food and take advantage of a free gift-wrapping service.

CHARITY CARDS: A Christmas card sale in aid of charities is being held at Red House School, The Green, Norton, on Saturday, from 10am to 1pm. Last year the sale raised £2,000 for charities including The Butterwick Hospice, British Red Cross and Save the Children.