PARENTS of newborns are being encouraged to use real nappies as part of a new scheme by Worcestershire County Council and Here-fordshire Council.

The Real Nappy Incentive Scheme gives parents the chance to either receive £30 cash back when they buy £50 or more of real nappies, excluding accessories.

Alternatively, they can claim a free pack of pre-fold nappies, valued at £15 from Green Nappies, a social enterprise in Ross-on-Wye.

The new incentive scheme is being launched on Monday as part of Real Nappy Week, which runs from March 11 until 18. A variety of real nappy events are being held across the two counties to celebrate.

There will also be the opportunity to enter a free prize draw to win one of five sets of real nappies valued at £75 if parents attend one of the following events: * March 13 - A real nappy display will be on show at the Maylord Shopping Centre, Hereford, with a free prize draw to win £75 of real nappies. All day.

* March 16 - 10am until 2.30pm, a real nappy event will be held at the Evesham public hall, Riverside Cen-tre. Bridget Strawbridge from the BBC's It's Not Easy Being Green will be attending and there will be a competition for £75 of real nappies.

* March 17 - 10am until 4.30pm, Bromsgrove and Wychavon will be hosting a real nappy event at Express Holiday Inn, Wychbold, where the winner of the best-dressed bottom competition will be announced and awarded £75 of real nappies.

* March 19 - 10am until 1pm, a real nappy fashion show will be held at The Guildhall, Worcester, and feature babies and children modelling the latest range of real nappies. Doors open at 10am and the show starts at 11am. There will be a free prize draw to win £75 of One Life real nappies.

To take advantage of the scheme parents must be from Herefordshire or Worcestershire.

To find out more information about the Real Nappy Incentive Scheme, call the the Mission Impossible team on 01905 766883 or visit www.wastemissionimpossible.org.uk