Water company Severn Trent is set to launch a Refill scheme in Wolverhampton which will see people able to fill up reusable water bottles for free.

The company has teamed up with founding organisation City to Sea to rollout the scheme across the city.

The initiative, which is backed by the City of Wolverhampton Council, will allow people to fill up reusable water bottles for free at member businesses - such as pubs, restaurants and cafes.

Businesses involved simply display the Refill window sticker to let passers-by know they can fill up for free. A smartphone app is also available which maps out Refill station locations.

Severn Trent's, corporate responsibility lead, Jess Fidler said: "We're in Wolverhampton city centre on Wednesday (13 February), with our volunteers aiming to sign up as many local businesses as possible. We want independent retailers to be part of it, and the bigger chains too. It's a chance to promote the wonderful benefits of water.

"As well as making access to tap water easier, Refill is a brilliant way to reduce plastic pollution and cut the amount of bottles ending up in rivers, canals and landfill sites. It is estimated that the nationwide Refill scheme will cut plastic bottle use by tens of millions each year.

"I'd encourage as many large or small businesses as possible in Wolverhampton to get involved."

Councillor Hazel Malcolm, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "This is a great scheme which will enable people to refill their water bottles for free. As such, we hope will make it even easier for people to stay hydrated and to drink more water instead of sugary soft drinks.

"There are many benefits to staying hydrated - water helps muscles and joints work better, keeps your body cool, promotes good cardiovascular health, cleanses your body inside and out, and prevents your mouth from feeling dry."

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, added: "Refilling individual water bottles for free in shops, cafes, pubs and clubs will help residents save money while protecting our environment by reducing plastic waste and rubbish in the city centre. I hope as many city businesses as possible will sign up to this new scheme and make it a real success story."

Cherry Shine, Director for Wolverhampton Business Improvement District (BID), added: "The Wolverhampton BID are excited to support Severn Trent's Refill scheme in Wolverhampton.

"With so much plastic discarded with hardly a second thought, including plastic bottles, this is a great way for Wolverhampton residents, visitors and business to embrace and do their bit to help the environment. We will support this scheme as much as possible with social media awareness to ensure this is a success as it should be."

Data shows that around 7.7 billion plastic bottles are bought across the UK each year, resulting in substantial amounts of single use plastic waste. The average UK household uses 480 plastic bottles a year, but only recycles 270 of them.

The Refill app can be downloaded for free on Google Play or via the App Store. Anyone wanting to get in touch, find out more about Refill, or those looking to sign up or become an ambassador for their local area, can email refill@severntrent.co.uk.