Tips on saving money, reducing waste, and recycling more this Christmas have been published online.

Hampshire County Council's Smart Living’s festive savings guide includes a Green Gift Guide to help residents choose sustainable ways to prepare for the big day.

The guide includes ways to reduce household food bills, such as menu and portion planning, as well as tips on avoiding food waste, like using up freezer stores.

The guide also suggests making food go further by using a portion planner, asking guests to bring reusable containers for leftovers, and letting people serve themselves at mealtimes.

Executive member for waste, Cllr Lulu Bowerman said: "There’s a host of top tips in the Smart Living guide which I’ll be putting into practice.

"We’re entering that time of year when lots of things are being bought, ordered and delivered, with wrapping and packaging that then needs to be disposed of, and it’s often a time when older items are being replaced with new.

"When items cannot be reused, repurposed or given to someone else, check online to see what you can recycle in your kerbside collection or take to one of our Household Waste Recycling Centres."

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For the party season, the guide suggests re-wearing last year’s Christmas jumper, choosing second-hand party outfits, or renting an outfit.

It also includes tips on preparing to recycle festive waste, such as recycling metal tins, cardboard boxes, and plain cards and envelopes.

However, only brown paper can be recycled when it comes to gift wrapping.

The guide also advises on recycling broken Christmas tree lights and electrical decorations at special drop-off points.

People are reminded to never include used batteries and electricals in kerbside waste due to fire risks, instead taking them to special battery drop-off points.