Northern Ireland has introduced a 5p levy on the sale of all plastic shopping bags in the region in order to stop their usage.

The tax, which will apply to all single use bags including plastic, paper and other natural materials, is expected to improve the region's green credentials and help cut down pollution.

Environment Minister Alex Attwood said the levy introduction will reduce the number of bags used and is intended to help protect the environment.

"Working with the retail sector we are aiming for a reduction of at least 80% - some retailers have already indicated that they will be eliminating single-use bags altogether," Attwood said.

Some 250 million carrier bags are used annually by people in Northern Ireland, which amounts to around 140 per person a year.

The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA), which expressed major concerns over the levy, felt that its collecting and administration may create a burden on its members.