A new community pantry has opened in a Suffolk town to provide free food for residents and help reduce food waste.

The Reydon and Southwold community pantry was opened at Reydon Village Hall on Friday to provide food near its 'best before' date that would otherwise be thrown away.

The food is donated by supermarkets, such as Tesco and Co-Op, as well as local stores including Barbrook and Boyden.

READ MORE: Second round of East Suffolk pantry grants now available

The aim of the initiative is to help those who are struggling with the cost-of-living and reduce the amount of food that is wasted unnecessarily.

Southwold mayor Simon Flunder and Pam Cyprien, chair of Reydon Parish Council, were present for the opening.

Pam said: "We have been overwhelmed by the response to the community pantry opening.

READ MORE: Framlingham: Free food pantry set up for community

"It’s a zero-waste initiative first, it’s also a community space where people can access free food and meet each other.  

"With the cost of living crises affecting all households, it’s a timely initiative that has been gaining in popularity across the country.   

READ MORE: Southwold news

"A great example of where businesses and communities can work together to help each other.”

Other community pantries have opened in Suffolk, including at Framlingham.

READ MORE: Suffolk news