A Selkirk grandmother was praised by the Environment Minister yesterday for trying to make her town the first in Scotland to be free of plastic bags.

Jenna Agate and two friends have been working to persuade shops to sign up to the pledge to stop using non-biodegradable plastic bags by March 31.

They intend a launch of replacement canvas bags for the town's 6000 residents.

Their efforts were applauded by Michael Russell during a visit to Selkirk. He said: "One of our 10 environment pledges was for people to move away from plastic bags.

"I just wanted to meet them and pass on my congratulations because they are moving in the right direction."

Ms Agate, 56, a dance artist, said she was inspired by Modbury in Devon which became Britain's first plastic bag-free town. She said: "I thought if they could do it then why not us. We owe it to our children to do something about it before it is too late.

"We are working on a gentleman's agreement and will be asking traders to sign a pledge.

Lindsay Neil, vice-chairman of Selkirk Community Council, said it fully supported the idea. He said: "Many people in Selkirk are very concerned about the wastage that goes on and the use of disposable items."