Wantage has gone eco-bag crazy in a move to create a plastic bag-free town in the run-up to Christmas.

More than 900 of the specially-created jute and Fairtrade cotton bags were handed out free in one hour at the town's Dickensian Evening. Since then almost 200 more have been picked up at shops.

The bags have now sold out, but another delivery is expected soon. The organisers, Wantage Chamber of Commerce and Oxfordshire County Council, described the campaign as a "soar-away success" and say they hope the momentum will continue in the new year.

The bags, which sell for £1, are on sale in 25 shops in Wantage and three in Grove.

The county council's Wild Waste bus, run in association with the Northmoor Trust, has also been promoting the bags.

Dawn Stephens, from the chamber, said: "This initiative can only enhance the image of this town, keep down the waste on our streets and reduce damage to the environment."

She added: "We want to maintain the momentum into the new year."