A MAJOR supermarket is partnering up with charities to get the best out of unwanted food.

Aldi's five stores in Bolton will be providing perishable stock such as fresh fruit and veg, long life items and baked goods.

Staff are working with a number of charitable groups including homelessness charity Emmaus, based at the Derby Barracks, in Fletcher Street, and physical disability support organisation Good Companions, which has its headquarters in the town centre.

The new scheme follows on from a successful trial between the supermarket and community engagement platform, Neighbourly, which has seen Aldi stores pair up and provide surplus food as often as five days each week.

Last year Aldi was able to donate two million meals to charity across the country.

Fritz Walleczek, managing director of corporate responsibility at Aldi, said: “We’re 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 Greater Manchester.

“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.”

Applications are still open to join the partnership scheme and any local charities in Bolton looking to partner up with an Aldi store have been asked to email aldi@neighbourly.com to apply.