A couple have come up with an eco-friendly idea which they hope will bring shoppers back to Sheerness.

Jane and Matt Brown, from Halfway, are printing hessian bags for shoppers to reduce their carbon footprint and bring trade back to the town.

The bags are printed with an image of the Clock Tower and Shop Local – Shop on Sheppey on one side, and the idea is businesses will pay to advertise their business on the reverse side.

The bags are made at Mr Brown’s business, Print Solutions in Grace Road, off New Road, Sheerness, using eco-friendly paint.

They have been set up for about two months.

Mrs Brown, 45, said she decided to start making the bags so people can reduce their carbon footprint but also because the town needs to be revived.

She said: “We want to encourage people to come and shop on the Island and keep the money on the Island.

“We hope to get the town back on its feet.

“We hope to try and stop people buying plastic bags and reduce their carbon footprint.”

* Bags are currently available at Car, Home and Garden in High Street, Sheerness, Rob’s Green Grocer in High Street, Sheerness, and Halfway Houses Post Office in Minster Road. If your business would be interested in selling the bags or advertising on them, please phone Print Solutions on 01795 663864.