Southern Co-op stores in Dorset are tackling food waste as they unveil a new programme to keep as many products as possible in the human food chain.

The chain, which has 16 retail stores across Dorset, launched the Too Good To Go Magic Bags in its stores.

The scheme is the world's largest surplus food app and lets users buy 'magic bags' of unsold food for a discounted price.

Southern Co-Op will also cut food waste with a best-before date by reducing it to 20p or donating it to local causes.

All store waste is currently diverted from landfill and any unsold food sent off for anaerobic digestion, with food broken down to produce biogas and bio-fertiliser.

Magic Bags of food will be available to rescue for just a third of the cost at £3.29 - with an original value of £10 or more.

Gemma Lacey, Southern Co-op's director for sustainability and communications, said: "All of these programmes involve a different method of improving food sustainability.

"By combining them together and making sure they are right for each store, we hope we can prevent food from going off to be recycled and get more into the hands of customers and good causes."