NORTH Ayrshire's first 'zero waste' shop is set to open over the next few weeks.

Store founder and environmental campaigner Marina Etchells plans to throw open the doors to Minimal Footprint in Largs next month.

The unit in Tron Place is currently being kitted out with recycled wood, dispensers and scoops and Marina is busy ordering supplies.

The eco-aware woman hopes that her business venture will reduce single use plastic and stop unnecessary packaging and plastic making its way into our oceans.

Marina said: "I've always been passionate about recycling but I've never done anything like this before.

"I was travelling into Glasgow every day and started to think about what I could do to help the environment.

"This is my way of giving something back to Largs and putting North Ayrshire on the map."

To buy from the shop, customers bring their own containers, or buy them from the shop, and pay for produce by weight.

Marina will be selling items including tea and coffee, shampoo and conditioner, oils and vinegars, and pasta and lentils.

She has also found a company which not only supplies shampoo and conditioner but also picks up and reuses bottles brought in by customers.

Before setting up the venture, Marina spoke to the people behind zero waste company Earth.Food.Love and was inspired by their ingenuity and determination.

She added: "They really gave me the confidence to do it and gave me a step-by-step guide on how to set up a business. Business Gateway has been really helpful too. "The support I've received from my family and friends - and especially from my husband Clive - has been amazing."

Marina has set up a funding page to help with the business over the first few months.

To find out more, visit facebook/minimalfootprint or https://rbsbackherbusiness.co.uk/minimal-footprint---zero-waste-shop