A Cockermouth cook will be sharing her skills with others when she leads free sessions on reducing food waste and eating more sustainably.

Wasted food accounts for approximately 20 per cent of all UK CO2 emissions and the majority of that comes from domestic households, with the average family throwing away food worth more than £720 every year, said Sharon Watson.

"This situation is clearly 'unaffordable', both from an environmental and a family finance perspective," she said.

Sharon runs SLO Food Suppers, a business she started during lockdown.

She provides suppers that are made from locally sourced, seasonal, organic ingredients which are sustainable. She has been recognised for her work with a High Sheriff's commendation and a Cumbria Busienss Award.

Now Sharon has volunteered to run two free linked events for Climate Emergency West Cumbria from her Cockermouth kitchen, tying in with the national Food Waste Action Week (March 7 to 13).

Participants will cook and share two simple meals, one using seasonal, local, organic ingredients. 

"Over the two sessions I'll be sharing my tips and techniques for wasting less food, saving money and eating more sustainably," said Sharon.

"The atmosphere will be relaxed and supportive, with plenty of time for questions and a maximum of six participants.

"We'll cook and share a simple delicious lunch each time. There will be lots of freebies to take away and even a cotton shopping bag to put them in."

The sessions take place on March 5 and 19, from 10am to 1pm.

For more details or to reserve a place, email sharon.watson14@outlook.com.