MUMS and dads in Bournemouth are being urged to use washable nappies to help the environment and save money.

More than 2,500 tonnes of disposable nappies, the same weight as 720 elephants, are currently sent to landfill from the town each year, according to the borough council.

The authority also claims parents can save up to £500 per child by using washable nappies.

As part of its new Real Nappy Incentive Scheme, the council is offering parents a £30 voucher towards the cost of washable nappies and is holding drop-in sessions with real nappy experts for parents and parents-to-be.

Georgina Fry, waste and resources project manager at the council, said: “Modern washable nappies have come a long way in the last 30 years and are far more practical than the old style terry-towelling nappies that many people remember. Today’s nappies are colourful, practical and even funky and have massive benefits for the environment and cash-strapped parents.”

Councillor Michael Filer, cabinet member for waste, added: “Disposable nappies take a lot of resources.

“I urge all Bournemouth parents to use the win/win formula by saving money and helping the environment.”

The drop-in sessions are at Boscombe Children’s Centre from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Monday and at Pelham’s Leisure Centre from 9am to 12pm on Thursday.

Under the initiative, parents can claim £30 off the price of real nappies when they spend £45.

Further details can be found on the council’s website at bournemouth.gov.uk/real nappies