IN six weeks Callington's Foodbank handed over 800 kilos of food to 160 people in the town, exceeding all expectations for the initiative which has been generously supported by local residents.

The foodbank, at the Mustard Seed Church, was launched at the end of October in response to the overwhelming demand for food parcels to be delivered to Callington from the Liskeard and Looe foodbank.

Churches Together in Callington instigated the project when they became aware there was a need for Callington to have its own foodbank

Pastor of the Mustard Seed Church David Jewell said: 'It has taken off quicker than we thought. We have provided food to 160 people in the last six weeks and just about every time we have opened our doors for the drop-in centre people have come in for a chat and a cup of tea, including homeless people who have been soaked to the skin from the weather.

'We appear to be reaching the people that are in need out there. The only area we may be falling short at the moment is those places outside Callington like Calstock and Gunnislake but I think that will happen as people get to hear about the foodbank.'

Pastor Jewell said over the same six-week period around 900 kilos of food had been donated so things were evenly matched.

'It has been great in the way people have supported us, donating food through schools and churches, harvest festivals, the children's centre and collections at supermarkets. We have boxes at the four churches in Callington and the Tamar Valley Methodist Church and people bring donations to the Sunday services.'

He added that there was 1.6 tonnes of food in the warehouse to cover the Christmas and New Year period as he expected there to be a big demand.

Families in need are issued food vouchers from agencies like social services, doctors and midwives, the children's centre and others who are in contact with people who may need this emergency service. Each family is given 20 kilos of food per visit.

The foodbank will be open on Boxing Day and normal hours over Christmas with the drop-in centre open Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2pm to 4pm.