LEDBURY Food Bank has described a windfall of more than £3000 from the Co-op as "a heaven sent donation", not least because demand for the food bank is rocketing.

The rise follows an appeal in March, in the Ledbury Reporter, for more people to make use of the Food Bank, which is based in St Katherine's Hall.

Food Bank spokesman, Martin Ham said: "We are now feeding about 70% more than we did in 2016, and I think that the article in March was one of the factors."

He said the big donation from the Co-op was "just in the nick of time and just when it was wanted".

Mr Ham added: "The Ledbury Coop has donated a magnificent £3290 to the local Food Bank as part of the money it has raised through its Local Community Fund.

"The money from the Coop could not have been more timely for Ledbury Food Bank, as they have seen the numbers that they feed rise sharply over the last few months. Recently demand for food has risen by a staggering 70% or so when compared with the weekly figures for 2016."

If the demand continues, this means that the Food Bank is on line to feed around 3000 local people this year, compared with around 1800 in 2016.

Mr Ham said: "The Coop’s generous Local Community Fund scheme invites shoppers to make a voluntary 1% additional payment at the checkout so that the Coop can then distribute the money to their nominated local charities.

"The Food Bank, tucked away in the far end of St Katherine’s, is fundamentally a Christian organisation with a policy of helping all in need irrespective of their origin, age or religion. The scheme works on a voucher system that gives support for up to six weeks to all those, who for any reason, are in need of that support.

"People who need more than six weeks support will be helped for longer."

Vouchers for the supply of food can be obtained from charities, surgeries, churches, housing associations and schools.

The Food Bank is open from 10am to noon, on Wednesdays and Fridays.