A campaign to cut down on unnecessary packaging for Easter eggs has won the backing of a Birmingham MP.

Lynne Jones (Lab Selly Oak) has welcomed Birmingham confectionery giant Cadbury's launch of a new "eco-egg" which is packaged in simple foil wrapping.

Most chocolate eggs are sold in large cardboard boxes, and often wrapped in foil as well.

The MP said she would follow Cadbury's example and cut down on climate change in her own work and day-to-day activities as well.

It follows a warning in this week's budget from Alistair Darling, the Chancellor, that he will act against shops handing our free plastic bags to shoppers unless they voluntarily cut down.

Dr Jones said: "It is vital that everyone shows their own personal commitment to tackling climate change in their everyday activities.

"This could mean making sure that your television or computer is switched off when not in use, adjusting your thermometer or avoiding products with too much packaging."

Packaging for the Cadbury Treasure Egg is uses 75 per cent less plastic and 65 per cent less cardboard than previously used in standard eggs.

As well as the new range of eco-eggs, the company has also pledged to cut packaging in its existing range of small and medium boxed eggs.

In total Cadbury expects to save 1,130 tonnes of packaging this Easter as a result of launching the new environmentally-friendly egg.