AN Eco Fair is returning to a new venue this September.

Following the success of its first ever Eco Fair in Pickering last September, Ryedale Environmental Group (REG) has announced that plans are underway for an even bigger, event in a new venue.

Designed to showcase all the ways in which local businesses and organisations can help Ryedale’s residents and visitors to enjoy a greener, healthier lifestyle, this year’s fair coincides with the national Big Green Week celebration, and is to be held in the Milton Rooms, Malton, on Saturday, September 24, 10am–2pm.

Nearly 30 stalls have already been confirmed, with highlights to include:

• Stalls from organisations such as the Dragonfly Society, Pickering Hedgehog Rescue, Friends of the Earth and the RSPB

• Spotlight on a number of campaigns, including the national Refill scheme

• Stalls from low & zero-waste shops

• Apple Juice and Morsbag projects

• Info on the '20 is Plenty' campaign

• Local handmade crafts

• Electric vehicles on display outside the venue, courtesy of JB Motors

• Fresh coffee from Happy Barista

• A space for young people & families, with fun science, woodcraft & nature-inspired art, as well as sessions with the author of a series of environmental books for kids!

• Local environmental groups sharing ways they’re working to minimise waste, save energy and provide community services such as Repair Cafés and Give or Take Days.

REG is also keen to encourage youth engagement at this event and welcomes ideas or contacts. Get in touch at ryedaleEG@hotmail.com if you can help.

Meanwhile, Pickering Environmental Group is also launching a Denim Challenge in September.

The aim of the challenge is to raise awareness of the impact of denim production on the environment and encourage denim to be used to the end of its life.

A spokesperson said: "Use your old or worn out denim to join the challenge.

"Are you a crafter, artist, collager, upholsterer, enthusiastic mender?

"Show us your skills. Be creative, inventive and imaginative."

"Show us what you can produce from denim and we will include it in our exhibition at the end of November. There is a collecting box for unwanted denim in Pickering Memorial Hall."

Contact pickeringdenimchallenge@gmail.com for more details.