Saltash Environmental Action (SEA) aim to follow in the footsteps of Modbury in Devon where every shop pledged not to provide plastic bags.

Shops would instead sell biodegradable bags or offer a range of long-lasting material bags.

SEA was formed by local people concerned at increasing levels of waste and the impact on the environment.

'Band together'

All 43 traders in Modbury stopped providing the bags to customers from 1 May.

SEA is now researching how to produce a range of bags especially for Saltash.

Chair of SEA, Marianne Beale said: "The success of Modbury was striking and it has been achieved by the town's traders and residents banding together to outlaw plastic bags for the sake of the environment and future generations.

"As a small town like Saltash, it just goes to show what can be achieved if everyone pulls together. I would really like to see Saltash leading the way for Cornwall."

Mayor of Saltash, Bob Austin, a founder member of SEA, said the group think the initiative would be popular.