KEEN home composters throughout Somerset are being offered free training to pass on their skills and enthusiasm.

Two one-day Compost Champion training courses are being held by Carymoor Environmental Trust, in March and April. As volunteers, Compost Champions visit events to share their expertise with the public, promote the benefits of home composting, and give practical tips.

Almost a third of the waste from Somerset households could be home composted, transforming certain foods and garden materials into a great free fertiliser, soil conditioner and mulch.

The training days run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, March 29, at Cannington College near Bridgwater and on Saturday, April 12, at Carymoor's HQ at Dimmer near Castle Cary.

Each day will cover the why and how of composting process; siting a bin; different composting methods; using compost; and the frequently asked compost questions.

Compost Champion training is free but volunteers undertake to promote the cause in their community.

Carymoor will pay reasonable travel expenses, provide display materials and be available to give advice if needed. Lunch will be provided on the day.

Rupert Farthing, Carymoor's chief executive, said: "Compost Champions do a vital job, helping others become good composters, and reducing the waste going to landfill.

"But visiting events, talking to people, and helping solve their compost problems is also great fun.

"If you'd like to join the team and help make a big impact, get in touch now."

To find out more or book a place, call 01963-350143 or e-mail rupert.farthing@carymoor.org.uk The Compost Champions scheme, supported by Somerset Waste Partnership and Viridor, started in 2009 and more than 40 volunteers across Somerset now pass on their enthusiasm for home composting in their local areas.