A FOOD swap event is being organised in north Essex to get people thinking about becoming more self-sufficient.

People are being invited to search the hedgerows for berries and other non shop-bought ingredients which can be brought to the event in Manningtree.

The Great Food Swap is being organised on September 5 to tie in with the town’s Big Beach Bash event.

Partners Mark and Marina O’Connell, of the Apricot Centre, in Lawford, are behind the project.

Mr O’Connell said: “We were inspired by a group in London called Growing Communities.

“It did this fantastic event where all the local people brought food and shared it. It was a real success.

“The idea is people just bring whatever they have got.”

Anything which has been grown, harvested, found and cooked at home can be brought along, but shop-bought grub is definitely off the menu.

Mr O’Connell added: “It is a way to get the community to meet one another around food and celebrate the food they grow.”

The swap will be held in Quay Street, close to the beach, between 10.30am and noon.