A DYFI Valley project that hopes to cut the use of plastic bags has been officially launched in Machynlleth.

The Benthyg Bag Dyfi Borrow a Bag scheme has seen volunteers and community groups make hundreds of bags from fabric, with project organisers distributing them to participating shops in Machynlleth and Corris.

Customers who don’t have a bag or have forgotten to bring one along for their shopping trip can borrow the fabric bags instead of using plastic bags and then return them to any of the shops that are involved in the scheme once they are done.

Jane Rigby, one of the founders of the scheme, said it had been supported by a range of community groups, including the Guides, WI and Cymortha Repair and Share events.

The official launch was on Saturday, 1 September, with the bags distributed to the shops involved, which include the Co-op, Wheeler’s, Dyfi Wholefoods and Will Lloyd in Machyn­lleth and Idris Stores in Corris.

Jane said: “We’d like to encourage anyone who would like to make or donate bags to shops to do so.

“This is a community-owned project and benefits us all, reducing the need for plastic bags and promoting community action.

“Any shops or groups who would like to join the project can message us on the Benthyg Bag/Borrow a Bag Facebook page or contact us directly.”