Kingsbridge and Ivybridge libraries are joining forces this Halloween to help families swap, share and reuse costumes following a spooktacular response to last year’s scheme.

Halloween is getting a little greener this year as Libraries Unlimited and Recycle Devon expand their Halloween Costume Swap initiative.

People are invited to bring along outgrown or unwanted Halloween costumes and accessories in good, clean and wearable condition, which can then be given a new lease of life by other children.

If you’re looking for a costume, you can simply come along and browse the swap rail.

There’s no requirement to donate a costume to take part, and costumes are free to take home.

Research from Hubbub and the Fairyland Trust has found that Halloween costumes generate more than 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year, that’s the equivalent to 83 million plastic bottles.

With many costumes only worn once, swapping provides a simple way to keep them in use for longer, helping us to reduce waste and avoid buying something new every year.

Alex Kittow, CEO of Libraries Unlimited, said: “Libraries are all about sharing, and this is a great example of how we can help people share resources within their communities, save money and reduce waste at the same time.

“We want Halloween to be fun and creative, without families feeling they must buy something new every year.

“Giving a costume a second life is a small change, but when lots of people get involved, it can make a real difference.”

Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: “This fantastic initiative keeps Halloween fun and affordable for families, and helps reduce the amount of waste that is often generated at this time of year.

“Children's costumes in particular are only worn once or twice before they're outgrown, so it makes sense to pass them on and let someone else get some use out of them. ”