FOOD waste in Otley will be tackled by residents who are setting up their own branch of a pioneering project.

People in the town are hoping to start an Otley group of the Real Junk Food Project – a scheme that has spread around the world after being launched in Armley.

The group is beginning its work with Otley's first Pay As You Feel waste food feast on Tuesday.

One of the organisers, Amy Wilson, said: "Only using food saved from being binned, we'll be serving up a delectable and delightful food feast for all.

"Not only that but it's Pay As You Feel so there are no set prices, and you can pay what you want how you want to, be it with money, time or skills."

She added: "The wholesale waste of food is a major ecological and social issue facing us today. Within developed nations, about 35 per cent of all food produced is wasted, and at the same time we are seeing steady increases in the rates of child poverty and use of food banks.

"Our, and The Real Junk Food Project, aim is to achieve systemic change within our food system, and part of that change starts here in Otley."

The Real Junk Food Project was initially started in Armley by chef Adam Smith, who came up with the idea of feeding customers using ingredients that would otherwise have been thrown away by supermarkets and independent grocers.

His idea provided the inspiration for 47 other Pay As You Feel cafes, not only in Britain but as far afield as Los Angeles, Brazil, Warsaw and Zurich.

Otley's waste food feast will take place from 6pm to 9.30pm at Clitheroe House in Manor Square.

Amy said: "Alongside the wonderful waste food dinner, there'll be live music and an open bar (regularly priced) and, of course, plenty of opportunity to talk more about how we tackle the issue of food waste within Otley. The venue is child-friendly and has full disabled access."

Visit facebook.com/otleypayf to confirm attendance at Tuesday's event or to find out more details about The Real Junk Food Project.

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