Campaign and cook-out to help stop food waste

The event, organised by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and its waste contractor Cory Environmental, runs from 10am to 4pm in Victoria Circus at the top of Southend High Street.

It features live cooking demonstrations with chefs and helpful tips on how to make the most of food leftovers to save money and reduce food waste.

A ceremonial 'cook-out' will be held at 1.30pm between the Worshipful the Mayor of Southend, Councillor Ann Holland, and her successor, the Mayor-Elect Councillor David Norman.

They will take part in a "Ready Steady Cook" style showdown to discover who can make the best meal out of their food leftovers.

Last year £13.7 billion worth of food and drink was thrown away by households, costing each family an average of £520 per annum in purchased, but unwanted, items.

When food waste goes to landfill it releases a potent greenhouse gas, methane, which is damaging to the environment.

To help increase Southend's recycling rate to 60 per cent by 2015, food waste recycling collection services have been introduced across the borough.

Imran Kazalbash, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Waste Management Team Leader, said: "This promises to be a great day for all the family.

"Anyone can come down to Victoria Circus and get involved in learning how to make the most of the food in their fridges and cupboards.

"Taking small steps like this will help to reduce the waste of food in every household, saving us all money and helping to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill."

Cory Environmental staff will be at the event to answer questions about recycling food waste and to provide further information.