A care provider has stepped in to help save a community food service in Eastfield.

Saint Cecilia offered a new home to The Eastfield Community Free Fridge, which collects unwanted supermarket food and redistributes it.

The service will now be run from Eastfield House, on Eastway.

It will be open from 10am to 12pm every Thursday.

Saint Cecilia’s director, Aaron Padgham, said: "We were dismayed to hear that The Fridge was in danger of closing and are happy to help keep it going.

"It provides a very valuable service in helping provide some free food to the community in Eastfield and preventing the food from going to waste.

"We are always happy to support community initiatives in Eastfield as the area has made us very welcome since we set up our daycare centre and head office in Eastfield House more than a decade ago."

Hayley Burn, chair of the Fridge, said: "Volunteers collect surplus food on an evening from retailers such as Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and Marks and Spencer.

"We also have a delivery from FareShare, an organisation that collects surplus food and distributes it.

"So far, we have saved around three tons of food from going to landfill.

"Anyone can come to The Fridge when it is open, there are no restrictions.

"On average, we have around 30 to 40 people collect food each week, many doing so on behalf of older neighbours, friends, and family.

"The Fridge was destined to close until Saint Cecilia’s stepped in, so we are really grateful for their support - they have really saved it!"

Volunteers are currently being sought for The Fridge.

Those wishing to volunteer are asked to phone Hayley on 07745 463555 for more information.