A campaign to rid Maidstone of plastic bags is gaining support.

Maidstone Town Centre Management’s Bin the Plastic Bag campaign now has the backing of national retailers including Lush and Boots.

New ambassadors are also adding their weight to the campaign including Boughton Monchelsea Poet Laureat John Phillips who has written Ode to a Carrier Bag.

Recent ambassadors to sign up include Lloyd Wright, on behalf of Fremlin Walk, Maidstone Mayor Cllr Denise Joy and Cllr Tony Harwood for the Liberal Democrats.

Lloyd Wright said:"Fremlin Walk urges the public and businesses to rethink their use of plastic packaging and support this campaign.

"As a retail centre committed to reducing its environmental impact, we have already seen the benefits of recycling and the use of our eco-friendly bags."

Other stores vowing to go plastic bag free include Payden’s Pharmacy in Week Street and the High Street.

Petitions are in stores throughout the town for shoppers to pledge their support to the campaign.