The cost of food in Britain is climbing at a rapid rate, which means that cooking is becoming increasingly important.

How homeowners use ingredients and make their shopping budget last could increasingly come under the spotlight, after it was reported that food inflation in the UK is three-times higher than the rest of Europe.

Figures from the OECD stated that the price of groceries in the UK is rising at around 6.3 per cent annually - compared to 2.1 per cent on average for members of the G7 nations.

Economists Paul Donovan and Larry Hatheway, authors of a report from UBS analysts, commented: " Prices are rising in excess of justifiable cost increases. The UK stands out as having the broadest range of food price increases."

Students who are feeling food price rises in their pocket could be helped by a new business launched by Surbiton High School pupils.

Alight offers easy-to-follow recipe cards to take the fear out of cooking and lure university students away from takeaways.