Eco-friendly youngsters are urging their parents to ditch their plastic bags to help build a greener future.

Schools across Shipley and Bingley have signed up to Asda's "Go Green" scheme which encourages shoppers to swap their plastic bags for bags for life.

In return, vouchers are given out which can be redeemed to provide eco-equipment for pupils, including pocket microscopes, solar panels and remote camera bird tables.

More than ten schools have signed up to the ten-week scheme across the Aire Valley - which starts on Saturday - and more are being urged to get on board.

Head teacher at Low Ash Primary School, Sarah Thornton, said: "As a school we would support initiatives that protect the environment. Getting children on board with this encourages parents to make lifestyle changes."

The initiative comes as Saltaire is set to become Bradford's first plastic bag-free zone.

Green ward councillors have pledged to rid the World Heritage Site of plastic bags from July and hope the initiative will be rolled out to neighbouring towns, including Shipley and Bingley.

The move, which is being fronted by Councillor Kevin Warnes (Shipley, Green), has received cross-party support and plans by Bradford Council to buy and give out 36,000 eco-friendly bags for life has been welcomed. The bags will come in two sizes and will have "I'm a Green Bag" printed on the side. Shopkeepers across Saltaire are also being urged to back the scheme.

Suppliers of environmentally-friendly bags have been sourced and one idea is for a Saltaire Bag' to be introduced, which would depict a feature in the village.

The scheme has been tried and tested in Hebden Bridge, where trade has increased following the publicity surrounding the ban.

Supporters in Bingley have welcomed the move in Saltaire and have set up a website at abolishplasticbags.org.uk.

Bingley ward councillor David Heseltine (Con) said: "It is about encouraging people rather than forcing them not to use plastic bags.

The easiest way to do it would be to have central legislation, like they do in Ireland where plastic bags have to be paid for."

To get involved with Go Green log on to www.asda-go greenforschools.co.uk.