LEDBURY Food Bank organisers believe they are not reaching enough people in need, despite a recent rise in the number of clients.

Spokesman Martin Ham said the group was "not in any way satisfied with what we've done" and he said there are local residents still not using the food bank, despite being in "dire financial straits".

He said: "I feel passionately about this. We are not getting enough people. The main problem is pride."

Mr Ham added: "Many who need and deserve our help are reluctant to come. Our most serious need at the moment is for friends and neighbours to persuade those in need that they should get a voucher and come to see us, and that all who come will get a friendly welcome and supply of both fresh and tinned food."

In 2016, 1827 people were fed as a result of 765 clients visiting the Food Bank, and the numbers are rising for 2017

Mr Ham said: "If you look at the most recent figures, in the last four months, we have fed 866 people as opposed to only 620 people in the same period of the previous year, an increase of very nearly 40 per cent.

"But we are not complacent with this short term increase, as we are convinced that there are many more local people in dire need of support, who for a wide range of reasons do not come to us for their much-needed supplies."

Mr Ham added: "Thanks to the wonderful generosity of local population, and Tesco and the Co-op, both of whom have trollies for food donors, we can easily supply all those who come through our door. Food vouchers can be obtained from schools, doctors, housing associations, children’s associations and many local charities."

The Food Bank is open from 10am to noon on Wednesdays and Fridays, at St Katherine’s in the centre of Ledbury.