Once they were just tomorrow’s fish and chip wrapping.  But now an enterprising postman has found a new use for recycled newspapers.

For would-be entrepreneur Graham Skryne has launched a sideline business which aims to turn copies of his local regional daily into handbags.

Graham, 43, from Cwmbran, started the business, Recobags, after seeing an exhibition of items made entirely out of recyclable materials.

Now he has used copies of the South Wales Argus to create a limited edition range of designer handbags which he plans to sell for £75 each.

Postman Graham Skryne with his designer handbag

The bags have copies of the paper folded and woven together to form the main structure before leather handles are added and a waterproof laminate put on.

They were manufactured by a company in Mexico from seven copies of the Argus sent to them by Graham.

He said:  “I could do everything myself except for getting the waterproof lining on the bags, which is why they are made in Mexico City.

“I don’t want to preach to people but it takes about 30 years for some of the materials we send to landfill to break down, so while I think the bags are works of art I also think it’s a better use of the waste.”

The bags are just one of a number of products created by Graham including purses made out crisp packets and juice cartons.

Argus editor Kevin Ward said:  “Who said there was no future for regional newspapers? Seriously, like all local media we’re in the business of highlighting success stories and examples of entrepreneurs on our patch. Graham is a great example of both and we’ve had a great reaction to his story.”