VOLUNTEERS are spreading awareness of composting thanks to a council-funded scheme.

A Compost Ambassadors training course was held on Saturday at Lower Shaw Farm so people could learn about composting and how they can help others recycle.

It was set up by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust with funding from the council.

Kate Robinson, waste prevention officer in Swindon for the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: "The idea is once they're trained, they become ambassadors in the community.

"Because they are going to be doing their composting properly, their friends and neighbours will see what they are doing and the message will get out there."

So far the scheme has attracted about 50 people. Volunteers spent the day learning through talks and practical lessons, such as how to make compost bins.

Mrs Robinson felt it was an important step towards a more environmentally-friendly Swindon She said: "When people start composting it makes them more aware of other things they can do."

Volunteers provide vital information for their community and local schools.

"We must teach children so this is a part of their modern lifestyle," said Mrs Robinson. "We want them to compost waste without even thinking about it."

Mrs Robinson also believes this personal approach may be a more productive way of reaching people who ignore leaflets.

According to the trust, if you compost your kitchen and garden waste you can save a tonne of waste going to landfill every four years.

Mrs Robinson added that, with the fortnightly collections operating in Swindon, it was a good way to save space in your bin and prevent it smelling, especially as up to 50 per cent of it can be composted.

Many people also do not realise that cardboard is essential for compost, so toilet rolls and toothpaste and cereal boxes can all be used.

To reinforce the message, Swindon Council is funding subsidised compost bins until the end of March. A 220-litre bin costs £8 and a 330-litre bin £10.

These can be obtained by free delivery on www.recyclenow.com/ compost or by ringing 0845 077 0757.

Alternatively, the bins can be collected from Enterprise Works, of Gypsy Lane, but there is no free delivery.