EATING, drinking and being merry is what the festive period is all about, but that doesn’t mean we have to waste more.

People throughout Worcestershire will be creating their own signature dishes over Christmas, making the most of their lovely leftovers and a call has gone out to share pictures of their creations through social media.

Worcestershire County Council is promoting the Love Food Hate Waste message over the holidays, to spread the word of the savings people could make by taking advantage of the simple advice on offer.

On average families could save £700 a year and by reducing what ends up in bins it will also bring down what it costs to dispose of food waste, something which totalled around £5million in Worcestershire alone last year.

Kidderminster residents are being asked to share their creations and recipes either via the @worcscc account using #LoveFoodHateWaste or through the dedicated Facebook page www.facebook.com/HWLFHW

Councillor Anthony Blagg, County Council cabinet member for environment, said: “We will all be cooking up our very own Christmas creations over the next couple of weeks making the most of our food during the celebrations.

“It may be the case that people are already following the ethos of Love Food Hate Waste and saving cash without actually realising. We want people to get sharing via social media showing off their culinary creations using lovely leftovers or posting their tips and recipes.

“It’s staggering to think the average family household could save up to £700 each year by reducing their food waste. Small changes can make a big difference so I’d urge everyone to get thinking, saving and sharing.”

More information can be found at www.letswasteless.com. The Love Food Hate Waste app can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or Google Play.