Aldi has invited Devon charities, community groups, and food banks to register for their Christmas food donations programme.

Partnering with Neighbourly, the store provides surplus food year-round, but with closures on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day, more donations are expected during the festive period.

Registered charities will collect fresh and chilled items nearing their sell-by date.

Luke Emery, Aldi UK's national sustainability director, said: "We know that the services provided by our incredible charity partners are needed now more than ever.

"That’s why we are dedicated to providing as much support as possible for the communities we serve this Christmas."

Neighbourly's chief executive officer, Steve Butterworth, added: "Christmas can be a challenging time for some families, and we expect many will depend on the services of local charities this year.

"We’re sure there are lots more groups out there that could use the extra help that businesses like Aldi provide, so we encourage them to sign up."

Groups interested in collecting unsold food at Christmas, but not currently registered with Neighbourly, should contact them at aldi@neighbourly.com by Friday, November 8.

Customers also have the opportunity to donate food or household products to causes throughout the year.

This can be done through community donation points located in all Aldi stores.

Aldi and Neighbourly have been working together since 2019 and have donated more than 35 million meals to charities across the UK.

This includes more than 7 million meals so far in 2024.