Cookery workshops, shopping advice sessions and 'community fridges' are set to be launched across Norfolk as the fight to cut food waste is stepped up.

Eastern Daily Press: (L-R) Councillor Paul Claussen, Roger Harrold, Jan Godfrey and Bronwen Tyler launch Norfolk's first community fridge in Watton (Picture: Archant)(L-R) Councillor Paul Claussen, Roger Harrold, Jan Godfrey and Bronwen Tyler launch Norfolk's first community fridge in Watton (Picture: Archant) (Image: Archant)

The Norfolk Waste Partnership has received a grant of almost £50,000 from Sainsbury's to help tackle the issue.

Every year, 63,000 tonnes of food are wasted in the county - enough to fill 140 Boeing 747 aeroplanes.

Cllr John Fisher, Chairman of the Norfolk Waste Partnership, said: 'The average family throws away £700 worth of food a year.

'By receiving this grant funding from Sainsbury's we can offer advice to inspire householders to cut down on their waste and save on their food bills.'

Eastern Daily Press: Tom Mills from Norwich, who has filmed his Plan Eat Save food waste challenge (Picture: Archant)Tom Mills from Norwich, who has filmed his Plan Eat Save food waste challenge (Picture: Archant) (Image: Archant)

The money will see 'Discovery Communities' set up in Watton, Thorpe St Andrew, Downham Market, Fakenham, Heartsease, Costessey and Shrublands, near Great Yarmouth.

They will include free cookery workshops and 'food saver' pop-up events offering advice on shopping, storage and meal planning.

There will also be 'community fridges' where residents can donate food rather than throw it out, with the first launched at Wayland House, in Watton, last week.

It comes after Norfolk County Council launched its Plan Eat Save campaign last year. More than 500 households have now signed up to take part in its 'Food Waste Challenge'.

Eastern Daily Press: Tom Mills from Norwich, who has filmed his Plan Eat Save food waste challenge (Picture: Archant)Tom Mills from Norwich, who has filmed his Plan Eat Save food waste challenge (Picture: Archant) (Image: Archant)

One of the participants was Tom Mills, from Norwich, who recorded a video diary to show how planning meals, checking dates and learning new recipes helped him to stop wasting food.

The 26-year-old said: 'I saved £60 in total off my monthly food bill which is brilliant. I would really encourage anyone to give the challenge a go.

'It's well worth being able to save money, eat a bit more healthily and know you're doing your bit for the environment too.

'I'm a little bit gutted that it's come to an end because I've learned so much. Now I'm just cooking what I need rather than making too much and chucking half of it away.'

Martina Glason, Waste Reduction Officer, said: 'We were thrilled to be part of Tom's journey and so pleased to see the difference the Food Waste Challenge has made to him.

'Tom's experience just shows how small changes can have a big impact.'

Norfolk residents can sign up for the challenge here.