SILSDEN has joined the growing revolt against single-use plastic.

A new group, Plastic Free Silsden, formed less than two months ago, already has more than 70 recruits.

And businesses are being urged to get on board and act as water refill stations.

Signed-up so far to replenish people's water bottles for free are the Red Lion, the Old Post Office cafe, The Hive, Many Hands, Country Kitchen and Dogsbody.

Each premises is displaying a sign indicating the availability of the service.

Project leader, Louise Farnell, said: "This should make a big difference in reducing the number of plastic bottles being bought and then simply thrown away.

"It may also remind people to think of other positive ways in which we can reduce our use of plastic."

The formation of the group was inspired by Sir David Attenborough's recent Blue Planet series, which spotlighted the environmental damage caused by abandoned plastic.

Group spokesman, town councillor Caroline Whitaker, said she was delighted with the response to date from Silsden residents.

She added: "Public opinion towards plastic is rapidly changing as we realise that our reliance on it has to change for the sake of our environment.

"We can start with our own purchases and work together in our local community to find alternatives."

Plastic Free Silsden has organised its first mass litter-pick and is appealing to townspeople to turn out in force.

The group is aiming for a large-scale removal of dumped plastic from streets and streams.

Gloves, litter-pickers and high-visibility jackets will be provided to everyone taking part in the event, on Sunday, June 16.

Volunteers are asked to meet at the Rocks and Ramps area of Silsden Park at 11am. Children must be accompanied by an adult.