A new social supermarket in Dover is already a great success with plenty of customers, offers of support and donations.

Nathaniel Richards launched the shop Niftie’s in the Charlton Centre on Monday.

The aim is to tackle food waste and reduce food poverty for struggling households, with the most expensive item costing 70p.

The 25-year-old said: “It went better than we were expecting.

“We sold £150 of food in the first day. It’s been going absolutely perfect, we couldn’t have asked for a better start.”

Lots of people have popped in and offered to volunteer, given cash donations and praised Mr Richards on his idea.

He said: “I didn’t realise how much this would escalate.

“Our mission is to tackle food poverty in Dover by giving people access to essential food items, such as tinned and dry goods and fresh ingredients, at dramatically reduced prices.

“Nifties’ prices range from 10p to 70p and we’re easily the cheapest option when compared to supermarkets, grocery stores and wholesalers.

“Our approach is really very simple; we purchase reduced products, such as short-dated or damaged items from supermarkets and other stores, and pass these savings on to customers.

“These products are still within their use-by dates, so they are perfectly edible.

“All our profits are reinvested in stock and go towards supporting further price reductions, so that people can afford to feed themselves.”

Niftie's also operates a delivery service, ensuring that those without transport can still benefit.

Delivery charges to Dover are £1, or £2.50 for the rest of the district.

Tackling food poverty is the primary goal, but the organisation also helps to reduce the waste charges of other stores, by collecting food which would otherwise have been thrown away.

Annual food waste from UK households and the retail and wholesale sectors amounts to nearly 12 million tonnes, 75% of which could have been avoided, according to studies by the Waste and Resources Action Programme.

The pop-up shop in the Charlton Centre was open until Friday but it is hoped that with support, it will become a permanent fixture.

For more information search Niftie's on Facebook.