Italy is the first country in the European Union to ban non-biodegradable, plastic, single-use, polyethylene-based bags.

The ban began in shops across Italy on 1 January, with only biodegradable, cloth or paper bags to be offered.

Italians use 20 billion plastic bags a year - more than 300 per person.

Supporters of the ban say plastic bags are an environmental hazard which use too much oil to produce and can take decades to break down.

The law for a gradual ban on plastic bags was originally proposed in 2006.