Hundreds of people attended an event aimed at showing businesses how they could cut costs while helping the environment.

Some 80 companies, charities and other public sector organisations had stands at the sixth annual East Midlands Expo at the Walkers Stadium, in Leicester, yesterday.

They included about 30 exhibitors from Leicestershire, including companies involved in recycling, food production and sustainable transport.

The aim of the event, which was being held in Leicestershire for the first time, was to showcase the range of environmentally-friendly products and services available across the county and the region.

Jon Whowell, a spokesman for the organisers, East Midlands Regional Assembly, said: "If businesses can be shown what can be done with green products, it benefits them and the environment for all of us."

A number of local food producers also had a chance to display their goods.

Ady Dayman, owner of exhibitor The Charnwood Chilli Company, of Cossington, said he was hoping to win new customers and raise awareness about the impact of food imports on the environment.

He said: "A lot of people are more aware of food miles and the fact there are products being imported from places such as Nigeria, and the carbon footprint involved with that.

"We grow more than 100 varieties of chilli – it just goes to show that you can grow things on your own doorstep."

The event also included workshops to help firms cut costs in the economic downturn and find ways of cutting waste.