A BAG is for life - not just for Christmas.

That is the eco-friendly message from one historic Suffolk market town this festive season.

Framlingham Town Council has now launched its re-usable Fram Bag.

Made out of the vegetable fibre jute the bags - which are emblazoned with a stylish logo - make a green alternative to plastic bags.

It is hoped that shoppers will use the bags around town and also further afield.

Stephanie Bennell, chairman of Framlingham Town Council, said: “We thought a Fram Bag would be a nice idea.

“First of all it promotes a strong environmentally friendly message - all the bags are recyclable and reusable. It is part of the business of getting rid of little plastic bags.

“However, it is also a great way to promote the town.

“The idea is that people will buy them and hopefully it will inspire them to shop in Fram. When they shop elsewhere they can take them with them and it will promote Fram further afield.

“So far we have had a very good response. People think they are quite quirky.”

The bags are made by Natural Eco-Bags and use jute grown on small farms in West Bengal, India.

The UK company visits the production facilities to ensure they meet the code of the Ethical Trading Initiative - a safe working environment and a fair wage.

The Fram Bags are available from the town council office, which is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, priced �2.50.

It is hoped the bags will soon be available at other retailers.