Co-op shoppers in Kent now need to remember their own re-usable bags as final stocks of carrier bags and bags for life are removed from checkouts.

The retailer announced last year that it planned to remove all plastic bags from its stores once its existing stock of carriers had been used up.

Southern Co-op, which runs 13 stores in Kent, says it is now removing all of its carrier bags and plastic bags for life from sale and is urging shoppers to switch to re-usable options.

The regional co-operative, which has more than 200 convenience stores across the south of England, says it wants to deter customers from treating bags for life as if they are single use carrier bags by halting the sale of them completely.

Instead, like in many other Co-op branches, customers will still be able to buy the 10p compost-friendly bag, which can be given a second life in kitchen food caddies and collected as part of council food waste collections, or buy more expensive and durable fold away large shoppers for £1.

Gemma Lacey, Director for Sustainability and Communications at Southern Co-op, said: "For years we have been asking our customers and members to bring bags with them so this is naturally the next step - removing the option of buying single use plastic bags or using a plastic bag for life as the next cheapest alternative.

"We have a duty to act against climate change and to give our customers a way to be more environmentally responsible. However, as our stores are based on convenience, we understand that people might not be carrying a bag with them, so the compostable bag is a more responsible alternative to plastic."

The 13 Southern Co-op stores in Kent now removing all its plastic bags from checkouts are:

* Loudon Way, Ashford

* 58 High Street, Cranbrook

* Whitstable Road, Faversham

* Faversham Road, Lenham

* Faversham Road, Seasalter

* Parkside Parade, Cliffe Woods

* Wrotham Road, Culverstone

* The Street, Ash Nr Canterbury

* 11 Monkton Road, Minster, Thanet

* High Street, St Lawrence Ramsgate

* Ramsgate West, West Cliff Road, Ramsgate

* Grove Park Shopping Centre, Sittingbourne

* Cromwell Road, Whitstable

To find out more about Southern Co-op's longer term plans to help the planet click here.