Rubbish could be used to help construct buildings after experts came up with a unique way of roasting waste.

Engineers at the University of East London (UEL) have developed the idea which uses thermal heat to transform rubbish into bricks.

A fully operational pilot plant, which has been set up at the university's Barking Campus, will be opened by Mike Gapes, MP for Ilford, on Wednesday.

If the project proves a success it could cut the amount of waste going to landfills in the UK by 70%.

The plant uses the latest developments in thermal processing to roast the waste mixture into coated pellets which can be converted into building blocks.

Terry Green, whose company makes industrial aggregate, said: "If more commercially viable processes can be developed, the opportunities will be enormous, both for industry and the environment.

"UEL has a great track-record in this area, and we are delighted to support this project".