A NATIONAL scheme to prevent food waste – and help people in need – has come to Richmondshire.

The Co-op in Colburn has signed up to an initiative which sees food within ‘best by’ and ‘use by’ dates donated to community organisations.

It is now collecting the products at the end of each day and giving them to George Nickling House - a hostel based nearby.

Co-op Food Share takes products off sale earlier to get fresh food close to date stamps to people in need and it means the Richmondshire hostel now has guaranteed food seven days a week.

Deputy Leader of Richmondshire Council, Ian Threlfall, said: “This is a brilliant scheme for Richmondshire.

“Many people arrive at the hostel with nothing – and in these emergency situations we now know this food share scheme will feed them.

“We cannot thank the Co-op enough for including George Nickling House in this initiative.”

Vikki Gendinning from the Co-op said that the Colburn store is one of 1,500 nationally to join the scheme.