A COMMUNITY charity is inviting members of the public to help reduce food waste by taking part in a new initiative.

Shildon Alive, at 91-95 Church Street, have a community fridge and shelves filled with fresh food and flowers that everyone is welcome to take in exchange for a small donation.

Members of the public are just asked to log the food or flowers they take and any donations they make.

A spokesperson for Shildon Alive said: "The community fridge and shelves are for everyone in the community to use and their donations help to keep this initiative running.

"Please take what you will use, donate what you can and be considerate of others.

"As we have a large amount of potatoes and parsnips, if any organisations wish to take some trays for a donation they would be very welcome not only saving money but reducing their carbon footprint too."

The community hub is open Monday to Friday, from 9.30am till 4.30pm, closed for lunch between 12.30-1.30pm, and on a Saturday from 10am till noon.