IT is a very busy time of year for the co-ordinators and volunteers of Callington Foodbank and they have expressed thanks to everyone who has donated.

Foodbank project manager Pam Stephens said the foodbank had been closed for most of this week, so they had been busy trying to ensure that no-one went without during that time.

She said: 'We have been amazed at the amount of food and Christmas treats that have been donated, by our regular donors in the local churches and also by the public in our recent Tesco collection weekend.

'I feel that there is a real sense of people wanting to help those locals in need in their communities. Our warehouse is now well stocked and we are so grateful.'

She said at the beginning of the week that they had not yet had a huge influx of people in crisis needing food over Christmas, but there was a steady flow.

'If anything, I think we are more likely to see an increase in numbers after Christmas when lack of money starts to bite.'

The Callington Foodbank is supported by the Trussell Trust and helps people in need by giving out food parcels. Vouchers are given to people in crisis, as identified by care professionals, such as doctors, health visitors and social workers; they then take the voucher to the foodbank and receive a three day supply of emergency food. Volunteers also help the clients by signposting them to agencies who can help resolve the longer-term problem.

For more information visit the website at callington.foodbank.org.uk