A NEW initiative has been launched by civic chiefs to encourage people not to throw their food away.

Fareham Borough Council has commissioned a plan which will see more than 10,000 bags distributed to restaurants in the borough.

The bags will allow customers to take their leftovers home with them after they’ve eaten out.

It comes after civic chiefs said that around a third of food waste across the borough comprised leftovers on plates.

Prior to its launch, a competition was held asking school children to come up with a design for the bags.

A total of 1,500 entries were received with the winner ten-year-old Enya Chui.

The Whiteley Primary School pupil was presented with a certificate from the mayor of Fareham, councillor Geoff Fazackarley.

Councillor Tiffany Harper, executive member for Streetscene at Fareham Borough Council, said: “We were thrilled that so many schools and restaurants have got involved in this project.

“I’d especially like to say well done to Enya for her winning design.

“We hope by making these eye-catching bags available in local restaurants it will encourage people to take their leftovers home, and at the same time reduce waste and save money.”

Enya said: “I am really excited to see my design when I eat out with my family.

“It’s a great idea to take away your food so it doesn’t have to go in the bin.”

The bags are currently available in restaurants across the area including Fareham College’s Avenue 141, The Osborne View, Richmond Restaurant, Lysses House Hotel, Villa Romana and The Golden Lion.

The initiative was basked by Sainsbury’s.

A spokesperson for the supermarket group said: “It’s great to see Fareham come together as a community to tackle the growing issue of food waste.

“Initiatives such as the design a take-out bag competition are a great way to encourage people of all ages to get involved.

“Enya’s winning design is fantastic.

“We hope the takeaway bags encourage people to waste less food by taking leftover food home from restaurants to eat at another time.”