HYNDBURN Council is offering free compost to people in the borough today.

In conjunction with Lancashire County Council, 10 tonnes of compost will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis.

To take advantage of the ‘Big Heap’ scheme, residents must take a maximum of three bags to the council’s vehicle compound, in Ranger Street, opposite Willows Lane, from 10am to 2pm today.

Staff will be on hand to help them fill up.

Head of community services Steve Riley said: “The Big Heap giveaway is a fabulous chance to reward the residents of Hyndburn for their efforts, and show they are much appreciated. “Here in Hyndburn we encourage both home composting, and the kerbside collection of garden waste in the green bins.

“If it is buried in a landfill site, garden waste produces methane, a greenhouse gas, so it is vital that we compost as much of it as possible.

“Using compost made from garden waste also helps to preserve natural wetland environments because it replaces peat for many uses in the garden.”