FAMILIES in Tavistock and the surrounding area are to benefit after West Devon Borough Council organised a special training event on how to cut down on food waste and save money.

Barnardo's project worker Katie Page from Tavistock Area Children's Centre took part in the free interactive session with the aim of passing on tips to families.

At the workshop in Ivybridge in November, which was staged in partnership with the Love Food Hate Waste campaign and South Hams District Council, community representatives and business people were given information on how best to prevent food waste using planning and storage hints as well as recipes for using up leftovers.

They were also taught how to share the knowledge with others and have pledged to spread the word to their communities.

Katie, who works with children under the age of five, said: 'The workshop was very useful and will help me cascade the information out to the people who really need it.

'As well as producing an article in our regular newsletter, I will be using many of the tips in the "Let's get cooking" sessions I run with parents and children.

'We always do a 'Leftovers Week' as part of that training, so I will be able to pass on much of what I learnt to help families make the most out of the food they buy.'

Sallie Butt from Love Food Hate Waste hosted the workshop.

She said: 'It was a really enjoyable session. Everyone was happy to participate and the group came-up with some really positive views and ideas.

'It was great to see everyone so enthused and keen to pass the messages on, and I'm looking forward to seeing what an impact we can all make together.'

Andy Barron, the council's waste minimisation and recycling officer, said: 'This is an opportunity for us to provide direct support locally to key members of our communities to help share these important food messages where it counts.'

For tips and recipes visit the website at http://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com">www.lovefoodhatewaste.com