Halloween costume swap shop aims to cut waste

People are being encouraged to donate their unwanted children's Halloween costumes to a swap shop scheme to prevent them going to waste.

North Yorkshire Council is asking for outfits and accessories to be handed in at Northallerton, Scarborough, Selby, and Ripon libraries before 12 October.

The costumes will then be redistributed among the locations ahead of the swap shops opening between the 20 and 31 October.

The council said the the initiative was aimed at "encouraging sustainable living and reducing single-use waste".

Richard Foster, executive member for managing our environment, said: "At Halloween, many households buy costumes for their children who soon grow out of them or want a new look the following year.

"By giving pre-loved costumes a second life, we hope to inspire families to embrace an eco-friendlier Halloween while also saving money and building community spirit."

Hannah Gilbert, a parent from Northallerton, said she would be taking advantage of the scheme.

"It is a fantastic idea and a great way to declutter, save money on buying more costumes, and helps to protect the environment," she said.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.