Base co-ordinator Jenny Rae said hundreds, if not thousands, of chip packets had been collected. Young people at Base cleaned the bags in preparation for a survival blanket-making session for volunteers.

ADNHS manager Sue Abel said by recycling the bags they were being saved from landfill. “It takes 70 years for one bag to break down, so we are saving the planet and the blankets may save a life,” she said.

To make a single bed-sized blanket takes about 60 bags. The blankets will go to Ashburton District Civil Defence, who in an emergency situation work with Ashburton District Neighbourhood Support to look after the community.

District Council compliance and development group manager Jane Donaldson said the district council applauded any activity that helped reduce waste and make the district more sustainable.