A FASHION recycling event has bagged a top award recognising its eco-friendly ethos.

Oxford City Council ’s ReFashion event – which was organised in January to encourage people to re-use, repair or swap unwanted clothes rather than throw them away – was up against more than 500 other nominations for the Green Apple Environment Award.

More than 700 followers of fashion attended the event and because of its popularity it will now be held annually at Oxford Town Hall.

Sustainable energy officer at the council Jenny Carr – pictured right with Jo Watkins of Darn It & Stitch It, left, and council colleague Sarah Leach – said: “I came up with the idea as I like second hand clothes shopping and this was an ideal way of swapping clothes.”

The organisers of ReFashion will be presented with the award at a presentation ceremony in the House of Commons on Monday, November 12.