A popular nightclub has lent its weight to a movement for eco-change by banning plastic straws.

Air & Breathe, in Essex Road, Dartford, will offer a biodegradable alternative instead for cocktails, mixers or soft drinks.

General manager Julian Holyoake said: “We’re all about serving up a great night out but from Monday, February 19, the only straws we’ll offer to customers will be made from renewable plant sources. They’ll biodegrade in six months rather than hundreds of years so they won’t add to the planet’s pollution problems.

“Our customers and colleagues are more environmentally aware so I’m sure they’ll welcome the change and agree that plastic sucks.”

The move means straws will no longer be served routinely in a drink but the new biodegradable ones will be made available if needed.

Air & Breathe is part of The Deltic Group — the UK's largest nightclub operator which runs 57 venues and employs 3,000 people — which is bringing in the ban as part of its commitment to be a more eco-friendly and sustainable operation.

It supports the hospitality industry’s concerns about pollution caused by plastic straws ending up in the sea and landfill sites.

The club is spreading the message on its social media using #nostrawsattached