Parents are being urged to use washable nappies

Waste bosses in Wokingham, Berkshire, hope the snazzy washable undergarments for babies will encourage parents to shun disposable nappies.

They say around 4% of waste going to landfill sites is made up of disposable nappies, accounting for 1,800 tonnes - or 180 dustcarts - of rubbish.

Pete Baveystock, Wokingham District Council's waste and recycling manager, said: "Washable nappies seem to be becoming something of a fashion accessory for some parents and hopefully the new designs will encourage more people to use them."

The environmentally-friendly alternatives are being promoted as part of Real Nappy Week, due to run from 7 to 13 April.

Other designs include pastels, tie-dye and a range of other animal prints.

The council has joined forces with local 'real nappy' champion Miranda Stampis to promote the washable nappies at an event on 7 April.