Residents seeking hints and tips on how to make their money last longer enjoyed a busy Wellbeing Fair at the weekend.

Hosted by South Kesteven District Council (SKDC), the free walk-in event offered cost of living advice alongside ideas to help people maintain their mental and physical wellbeing.

Up to 100 visitors made time to find out more at the Grantham event - and take up the offer of free refreshments, a quick health check and the chance to meet the Stop Loan Sharks shark!

Chef Debbie Hopkins from Homemade House Cookery School also proved popular, handing out delicious samples from her cost-effective family meals.

Cllr Annie Mason, Cabinet Member for People and Safer Communities at SKDC, said: "It was clear that a number of visitors to the event welcomed the chance to ask the experts direct about ways they can increase their income or make money go further.

"These are difficult times for many people and part of our work here is to support the most vulnerable in society, evidenced by the number of council staff and partner agency staff willing to give up their Saturday morning to help others.

"There was also a fun side to the event, as people tested their stamina on an exercise bike provided by LeisureSK and found their reflex times on some activities from Inspire Plus.

"The Council meets regularly with a number of external partners to give the widest possible assistance to those in need with energy saving, financial support, help with food or housing costs, benefits that are available and specific help for older people.

"Useful information we have put together can be found online or in the pages of the latest SKToday newsletter, which is arriving at people's houses in the next week or so."

Feedback from visitors:

• "The support I got was really helpful"
• "It's good to know there is so much support/advice around in this area"
• "It was well-organised with a good range of agencies and available support"
• "I was pleased to be able to collect various helpful leaflets to read later."

Participants included the DWP, the Money and Pension Service, Shine Lincs, Renew Grantham, One You Lincolnshire, LeisureSK, Inspire Plus, Homemade House Cookery School, We Are With You Grantham, Illegal money lending, Morrisons, the Co-Op, Wellbeing Lincs, SKDC's Revenues and Benefits Team, Citizens' Advice, Grantham Passage, SKDC's Housing/Homeless Team, First Aiders for Mental Health, AgeUK Lincoln and South Lincolnshire and the Notts and Lincs Credit Union.