Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has joined forces with the local council to help provide struggling families with slow cookers and affordable recipes this winter. 

Staffordshire County Council distributed the slow cookers to eligible families while the fire service produced a series of recipe cards to help vulnerable and low-income families in Newcastle-under-Lyme. 

This is part of the council's 'Here to help' campaign which aims to provide information, advice and support on managing ongoing cost of living pressures and the fire service's 'Be warm. Be safe' campaign which encourages people to avoid making cuts when it comes to fire safety this winter. 

County Councillor Mark Sutton said: "With the cost of living rising, we know that many people will struggle especially during the winter months.

"Getting support early can make a big difference and our 'Here to help' campaign will help people find information and advice to help them manage those cost of living pressures."

The aim is to help people make the most out of the food they have and help ensure families can access a warm and nourishing meal regularly. 

The recipes include beef stew and dumplings, chicken curry, chilli con carne and vegetable tagine. 

For more information about the council's 'Here to help' campaign, visit their website.