Families across the Cherwell district have been adopting healthier diets with the help of a charity.

Cherwell District Council's community food grant has enabled charity Home-Start Banbury, Bicester and Chipping Norton to run a project teaching families how to eat healthily on a budget.

Participants received a free slow cooker, recipe book and ingredients, equipping them to cook nutritious meals at a low cost.

Home-Start volunteers assisted in teaching families how to use slow cookers and to try new, healthy ingredients.

Councillor Rob Pattenden, portfolio holder for healthy communities at Cherwell District Council, said: "Being able to assist local charities and organisations through our community grants is something we pride ourselves on.

"We value the opportunity to work with those on the ground who are closely involved with our local communities, providing crucial projects to help develop healthy, resilient and engaged residents."

Home-Start received £1,400 through a successful grant application.

The scheme has supported 20 families in the district, offering guidance on taking a healthier approach to meal times while preparing meals in bulk to help make food shopping more cost-effective.

Those involved with the project found it made cooking more efficient and easier, with less meal-time stress and more ingredient variety.

Cherwell District Council created community food grants to support not-for-profit organisations in providing food for communities and developing activities involving cooking, growing or nutrition education.