ALDI stores in Wiltshire will be donating food to local homeless charities and community groups in the hope of keeping bellies full this Christmas.

Stores across the county have teamed up with Neighbourly, an organisation which links businesses to charities so they can donating surplus food up to five days a week, all year round.

As part of the Christmas initiative, charities and community groups will be paired with local Aldi stores and can collect fresh food products that are near the end of their shelf life such as fruit, vegetables, fresh meat, fish and bread after the store closes at 6pm on Christmas Eve.

Last Christmas, Aldi donated just under half a million meals to charities across the country, and is hoping to increase this for Christmas 2019, spreading Christmas cheer to even more families.

Fritz Walleczek, managing director of corporate responsibility at Aldi said: “Our Christmas food donation scheme is something we’re really passionate about.

“Last year we were able to reach thousands of people and some charities were even able to prepare fresh meals that fed families well into the New Year.

"This is our third year of Christmas food donations and we look forward to working with local charities and food banks from Wiltshire in the future.”

Charities interested in working with Aldi this Christmas should contact Neighbourly at aldichristmas@Neighbourly.com before Monday November 11

All groups that apply must have a level 2 hygiene certificate gained in the last two years, must be a registered charity, CIC or community group and be able to collect, transport and store chilled food products.