If you’re looking for an attractive alternative to spending 5p for a shopping bag, then there’s a neat locally-focused solution to the problem.

Herts Advertiser: St Albans shopping bag - summer in Verulamium ParkSt Albans shopping bag - summer in Verulamium Park (Image: Archant)

Julie Slater, owner of St Albans-based online gift company Julie Slater and Son, has teamed up with city artist Mandy Reekie to create the St Albans Shopping Bag range.

The partnership formed after Julie bought some of Mandy’s St Albans Christmas cards at a craft fair and liked them so much she decided to seek her out with a view to working with her.

Made from cotton canvas, the bags feature colour prints of Mandy’s paintings on one side, and are currently available in a choice of The Rose and Crown and Verulamium Park, although there are plans to expand the range with oilcloth shopping bags and a new design featuring St Albans Cathedral.

Julie said: “We have sold shopping bags for a few years, but I had never done anything with an artist’s painting before. As we now have to pay for plastic bags it seemed a good idea to design something for the local community. St Albans residents love their city and enjoy buying our bags for family and friends. We think they will make perfect presents for teachers this summer.”

Herts Advertiser: Julie Slater and Mandy ReekieJulie Slater and Mandy Reekie (Image: Archant)

The bags can be purchased from here and cost £19.