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A ‘community fridge’ stocked with goods such as milk, fresh fruit, vegetables and even baby food is now available for residents free of charge.

The fridge, which is at Graig y Rhacca Community Centre, is stocked daily with donations from Fair Share, as well as local businesses.

It also includes food close to its expiry date, which has been donated from Machen Co-Op in a bid to reduce food waste.

The scheme is the first of its kind in the borough and comes in response to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

The fridge is in a cabinet outside the community centre, which is locked nightly by volunteers at the Graig y Rhacca Community Association and is powered by solar energy.

It has been funded by Caerphilly County Borough Council through its Cost-of-Living budget and the Community Empowerment Fund.

Councillor Chris Morgan, who represents the Machen and Rudry ward, said: “Whilst we have food banks in operation throughout the borough, this community fridge is the first of its kind in that it is accessible outside of the community centre’s opening hours, so is ideal for those with busy work schedules or other commitments.”

He added: “I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in making this project possible, including the Graig-y-Rhacca Community Association and the local businesses who have volunteered their services to a very worthy cause.”

Cllr Amanda McConnell, who also represents Machen and Rudry, said: “With the raising pressures of the cost-of-living crisis we hope that the community fridge can be a source of comfort and relief for our residents during this time.”