South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are marking Food Waste Action Week with a giveaway of free compost and a chance to win a ‘hot’ composter.

The events are being held at White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre for Vale residents on March 16, between 9am and 11am, and at the former council office on Benson Lane, Crowmarsh, for South Oxfordshire residents on March 17, between the same times.

Compost will be available while stocks last, with residents allowed to fill up to three bags, but they must bring their own bags and spades.

Councillor Sue Cooper, cabinet member for environment at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: "Together, by composting and reducing our food waste, we can reduce the environmental impact of food waste and excess packaging and create a more sustainable future."

Accompanying the giveaway is a competition to win a 'hot' composter, which offers higher temperature composting and produces nutrient-rich compost in 90 days.

This is only open to residents of South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse.

To enter the competition, visit the councils’ Facebook or Instagram pages before March 24, and comment on the ‘hot’ composter post with what you do to reduce food waste.

Councillor Mark Coleman, deputy leader and cabinet member for environmental services and waste at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: "Composting is a simple yet effective way to save money, reduce your food waste and nurture your garden."