STAFF at West Midland Safari Park have joined forces with an initiative to ensure leftover Halloween food did not go to waste.

As part of the park’s Spooky Spectacular event around 1,700 pumpkins were used to decorate the Bewdley-based park's discovery trail, African village and adventure theme park.

After the event ended on October 31, some of the pumpkins went to the animals to eat, some had already been munched by squirrels, while the rest was destined for the compost heap.

Volunteers from the Real Junk Food Project - a national project which collects waste food - then stepped in and approached the park, asking if pumpkins could be instead donated to the project.

The Real Junk Food Project works to ensure waste food can be turned into healthy, delicious meals for purchase on a pay as you feel donation basis.

The food is also made available to volunteers, and anyone sharing skills and expertise.

Ann Gallagher, a project volunteer, said: “The Real Junk Food Project is part of a nationwide network seeking to address food waste.

"We accept donations of perfectly edible food, that would be thrown away, from various sources.

"Our volunteers cook up food in our cafes and at events.

"Thank you West Midland Safari Park for the donated pumpkins, which will be made into all sorts of dishes including soups and puddings.”

For more details on Real Junk Food Project visit trjfpbrum.com, or Facebook page TRJFPBrum.