A GROUP of parents are hoping to consign smelly disposable nappies to the past.

Swindon's Real Nappy Network launched a monthly Nappucino meeting at the Sure Start Children's Centre in Penhill this week.

The aim is for parents to find out more about re-usable nappies and their benefits.

The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is supporting the scheme with the help of funding from Swindon Council.

Kate Robinson, from the Trust, believes the wide range of re-usable nappies the network offers will persuade more parents to make the switch.

"The Swindon Real Nappy Network has been running for nearly a year now and the response has been great," she said.

"Re-usable nappies these days are nothing like the days of pins and boil-washing. They are much more convenient to use and come in a range of styles to suit different shapes, sizes, fabrics and lifestyles.

"It is also a better idea with the new fortnightly rubbish collection. Instead of throwing away two bags of rubbish, you just have one bucket.

"A lot of companies are offering disposable eco-nappies but they still end up in landfill."

Vanessa Emanuel, chairwoman of the network, holds demonstrations for mums.

She said: "I hold meetings at my home and we also go around local houses with trial kits to show them what it's about."

Becca Carey, 36, from Old Town, heard about the network at a pre-natal class.

"We've used reusable nappies since a few weeks after Megan was born and it's been a change for the better, especially in terms of the rubbish bags," she said.

"There are three people in our house and now we have only half a bag, compared to two full bags. It's great, and I'd definitely recommend it to others."

There will be two Nappucino events each month. For more information, visit www.swindon-realnappynetwork.org.uk or call 01793 815013.