Green-fingered Birmingham MP Clare Short has revealed an interest in converting household waste into compost.

Ms Short (Lab Ladywood) said she had recently been using the new Japanese fermentation process Bokashi in her garden.

The system turns organic refuse into nutrient-rich soil conditioner.

She said: "I want to be more responsible about my waste. I've got my first full bin of Bokashi and am just starting on the next one and I'm terribly pleased with it.

"I like the idea of the liquid going down the drains and cleaning them. I have a bit of a garden where I have some herbs and things, so I shall be using the Bokashi there."

The process works by adding a mixture of microscopic friendly bacteria, yeasts and fungi in the form of bran to organic refuse.

It is sold in the UK by Herefordshire-based mail order company Wiggly Wigglers.