The town's first eco bag was unveiled to shoppers - who are also being given the chance to get a free bag for life by taking part in a new Shop Local campaign.

The cotton eco bags cost £1 and have been launched by Mansfield District Council, in conjunction with the Mansfield Town Centre Partnership - an initiative also backed by Chad.

They are being sold on a not-for-profit basis, with the council subsidising the full production costs.

The bag was unveiled for the first time on Saturday - with the winner of the competition in Chad to design the bag, local schoolgirl Holly Shaw, receiving her prize.

Holly is pictured taking home the Nintendo Wii, donated by the Four Seasons Shopping Centre, watched by Robin Hood and Maid Marian.

Robin Hood and Maid Marian were part of the entertainment, which also included:

• have-a-go sessions at making crafts from plastic bags


• skiffle group Kick and Rush performing


• live broadcasts from Mansfield radio station 103.2


• Car sticker and fridge magnet giveaways

The 'bag for life' aims to help banish the plastic alternative that is so damaging to our environment.

Also to mark the eco bag launch, a loyalty card aimed at encouraging shoppers to make more use of the extensive range of stalls at Mansfield Market was unveiled as part of a new Shop Local campaign.

Market stallholders will give out the cards to shoppers. Each time a shopper spends more than £1 at a stall, their card will be stamped once — and a fully stamped card will entitle the holder to a free Mansfield eco bag and entry into a free monthly prizedraw.

The cotton eco bags will cost £1 and also be available from the customer services desk in the Four Seasons Shopping Centre and the reception at Mansfield Town Hall (open 12-2pm Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays).

For more information on town centre events, go to www.mansfieldtowncentre.co.uk