THE Tavistock Citizens Advice Bureau and Tavistock Foodbank welcomed the support of West Devon's MP as he visited staff and volunteers.

Geoffrey Cox MP?visited the Tavistock CAB at Kingdon House to meet and thank the staff and volunteers. He was shown around by manager Mandy Kenyon, and the dedicated team of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly in support of local people, providing those in need with support and advice.

Mr Cox discussed with Mandy Kenyon how, while the services are mainly provided by trained volunteers, the recent employment of an additional member of staff had allowed the CAB to develop a consistent professional response to telephone enquiries and improve the whole customer experience.

He learned that the Lottery funding, which had funded the expansion of the services, was due to end next year and was briefed on the local CAB's plans for the future.

Mr Cox said: 'The CAB provides vital advice to those entangled in the complex welfare and benefits system and many others.

'I know from my own advice surgeries over the years how much they do for local people, and how sorely our local communities would miss them if they did not exist. I wanted to make clear my gratitude and to pledge my support for their continuing work in Tavistock.'

The MP went on from the CAB to visit the Tavistock Foodbank in the Lower Deck Café at the United Reformed Church, which operates each Friday between 10am and 2pm.

He spoke to trustees, volunteers and users of the service about the facility and was briefed on the systems employed to secure and stock the food and to assess those who are able to receive its support.

Foodbank co-ordinator Val O'Neill said the foodbank had been 'very busy' in the last few weeks.

'It's really picked up steam now,' said Mrs O'Neill, who paid tribute to the generosity of people who have made donations to the foodbank.

'St Eustachius had a big collection last weekend and we were just inundated.

'I also want to thank the Catholic Church in Tavistock which has been continually collecting since we opened and has kept us topped up.

'I am also receiving daily food from the public which is being brought into my shop and I want to let everyone know how truly grateful we are, people have been so generous.'

For more information on the foodbank scheme, to become a volunteer or to donate, visit http://www.tavistock.foodbank.org.uk">www.tavistock.foodbank.org.uk or call 07941 436149.