A BEACH snack van has introduced edible ice cream tubs to help reduce rubbish and save the planet.

Alan Devine and Kate King have run The Picnic Box, on Longniddry Bents, East Lothian, for nearly a year.

And this month they introduced the new tubs to help reduce waste from the popular coffee stop.

The couple already offer visitors 20p off a cup of tea or coffee if they bring their own mug and the latest sustainable offering adds to their efforts to protect the coastline.

Kate said: “It is important to us that we are part of the community and doing everything we can to reduce rubbish and help the planet is a big part of that.

“Encouraging our customers to bring their own cups for hot drinks took off well, particularly with locals who are regular visitors, and the edible ice-cream tubs were the next logical step.”

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And former ice cream salesman Alan said: “The tubs have proved very popular with customers who like the idea and have really got behind it.

“We initially trialled them for free with a few customers and based on their positive response introduced them on our daily menu.

“Now we are looking forward to them being a firm favourite over the summer months.”

Kate and Alan, who live locally, have recently applied for planning permission to remain at the Bents No2 car park for a further three years after they were initially granted permission for one year only.

And they are hopeful they will be able to continue on the site after becoming part of the community.

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As well as running the snack van which operates out of a converted horse box, they have organised a wide range of local events from a beach swimming club to under-fives stay and play clubs and even an Easter Egg hunt.

Kate said: “The beach swimming club was inspired because there are clubs in Portobello and further east at North Berwick but nothing where we are.

“It has been a great success with lots of regulars now coming along and we host lots of events for all ages, it is great to see people coming along and enjoying the beach and our stunning coastline.”