A FOODBANK for the Bere Peninsula, a satellite of the Tavistock branch, will officially be launched in Bere Alston later this month.

The foodbank was set up because of the difficulty in getting to Tavistock for many people who need this service.

It will be opened by the chairman of Bere Ferrers Parish Council Hilary Boot-Handford and the mayor of Tavistock, Cllr Anne Johnson on September 25 at Hope Cottage Cafe in Fore Street.

Secretary of the foodbank management committee Tony Allen said people had been very generous in donating items to the foodbank.

'We have collection boxes in the churches, pharmacy, doctor's surgery and primary school and all the items have been taken to Hope Cottage Cafe and sorted,' he said.

'We have started giving out donations of food and we are very pleased with the way it is going.'

The foodbank is open on Tuesdays from 9am to midday and will be run by a band of volunteers.

Food vouchers are allocated by authorised organisations like the CAB, local doctors and primary schools.

'We are very pleased with the way it has taken off,' said Mr Allen.

'Bere Alston and Bere Ferrers are separated geographically from Tavistock by a significant distance and the many of the clients who need this foodbank do not always find it easy to get into Tavistock.

'This is a solution to a short term crisis where people are issued one or two vouchers which will provide them with up to four or eight days supply of food.

'After that we hope that the other benefits organisations click into operation and carry them through these difficult times as needed.

'From the response we have had so far we are quire sure that there is a need in the Bere Peninsula for this foodbank.'

l For further information on the foodbank, call 01822 840320.