RETAIL giant Aldi is helping charities this Christmas - by giving away surplus food from its five Barnsley stores before the big day.

Its stores close on Christmas Eve at 4pm and do not re-open until December 27, so as a goodwill gesture it is encouraging charities and community groups - including foodbanks - to get in touch and arrange to pick up a collection of food.

But groups must be quick as the closing day is today, according to an Aldi spokesman, who said products will include fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, bakery products, chilled goods, ready meals, dairy and desserts.

A spokesman said: “We are offering local organisations the opportunity to receive surplus food from their nearby stores on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. As Aldi stores shut at 4pm on the day until December 27, we will have a variety of good quality surplus food products that we wish to redistribute in support of less fortunate individuals and to prevent food going to waste.

“Aldi is unable to deliver products so it would be essential that your organisation is able to collect. They will expect the levels of food available to vary, however estimations of around 20 to 30 crates will be expected from each store.”

Organisations need to apply by ringing 01827 711800 with their charity or group’s name, contact details, location they are from and which stores they are able to collect from.