ALDI stores across Warrington have pledged to donate surplus food directly to charities to redistribute to vulnerable people.

Across Cheshire, 22 stores will provide good causes with fresh fruit and veg, long life items and baked goods up to five days a week

And this will be of great help to Warrington groups including Hapi-Hub Community Fridge and Birchwood’s Eat Community Café, who have already signed up.

After a successful trial between the supermarket chain and community engagement platform, Neighbourly in January, Aldi has rolled out the scheme nationwide.

Last year the firm donated two million meals to charity and expect this to increase by 50 per cent now the partnership has been extended to all 827 UK stores.

Fritz Walleczek, managing director of corporate responsibility at Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “We are always looking for new and creative ways to increase the amount of food we are able to donate.

“This partnership is enabling us to distribute even more surplus stock, while supporting a vast range of good causes, across Cheshire.

“Our aim is for fresh, healthy food to be accessible for everyone, and Neighbourly are helping us to extend this commitment beyond our affordable range of fresh products.”

Steve Butterworth, Neighbourly CEO, also added: "We are delighted to be partnering with Aldi to benefit those communities local to each and every one of their stores across the UK.

“Food surplus is a challenge Aldi is committed to addressing and this approach is critical to ensure surplus food finds its way to good causes which support communities that need it most."

Any charities in Warrington who wish to partner with their local Aldi store email aldi@neighbourly.com to apply.