NEW mums are being encouraged to switch to real nappies to help save the environment.

Basildon Council is handing out free packs of the nappies to new mothers to reduce the number of disposable nappies being binned.

One mum a day will be given a pack of washable nappies at Basildon and Thurrock Hospital, as part of the new campaign.

Carly Cox, recycling promotions officer for Basildon Council, said: "Using real nappies can divert tonnes of waste from landfill, and save parents up to £500 during the time their child is being potty trained.

"We are encouraging more parents to switch to cloth nappies to reduce the strain on the environment, and their pockets."

About three billion nappies are thrown away in the UK each year, creating more than 690,000 tonnes of waste.