England has become the last nation in the UK to introduce charges for plastic bags, in a bid to protect wildlife and reduce littering on the streets.

Shoppers at all big stores will need to pay 5p for every bag provided at the tills – and it’s hoped most consumers will remember to bring their own.

Last year, more than 7.6 billion plastic bags were handed out by major supermarkets alone – the equivalent of 140 per person.

Critics have claimed the charges are too complicated, and could lead to confusion and longer queues at the tills.

The Government has also faced criticism from environmental campaigners, who say it is wrong that smaller shops have been exempted from the policy.