TWO LIBRARIES in Teignbridge are joining a countywide campaign to save money and recycle with a Halloween Costume Swap.

Libraries in Dawlish and Buckfastleigh will be inviting families in October to take part.

Customers are encouraged to donate outgrown or no longer needed costumes in good, wearable condition to be reused.

Parents and carers can come along to swap or rehome a pre-loved outfit.

Costumes are available to take home at no cost, with no requirement to donate.

A second-hand costume is a greener choice for spooky season.

Halloween costumes are estimated to generate more than 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year, the equivalent of 83 million plastic bottles.

Libraries Unlimited, the charity commissioned to run the libraries in Devon, runs this programme in partnership with Recycle Devon.

Beth Lovell from Recycle Devon said: ‘We’re excited to be working with Libraries Unlimited to deliver the Halloween Swaps initiative again this year.

‘With 40per cent of Halloween costumes being worn only once before being thrown away, partnering up with libraries to help costumes be reused as much as possible, whilst also helping local families, is brilliant.’

Kate Turner, Head of Library Service and Customer Experience at Libraries Unlimited, said: ‘Halloween is all about fun and creativity, but it can be incredibly wasteful.

‘Halloween costume swaps are a wonderful way to reduce waste and save money.

‘Libraries are all about sharing resources, and this initiative fits perfectly with our charity values.

‘We are excited to be part of something that brings people together while doing good for the environment.’