NORTH-East residents donated more than 150 tonnes of food to foodbanks in the run up to Christmas, new figures reveal.

The statistics, released by the Trussell Trust, show 168.39 tonnes were donated to food banks in their North-East network in December and whilst the charity has praised the generosity of residents, it is calling on the government to do more to ensure that people do not need to rely on it.

Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, said: "Food banks in the North-East were truly overwhelmed by the level of generosity from the public in the run up to Christmas.

"These donations show communities and individuals, driven by compassion and justice, are doing what they can to help people facing hunger, but no charity can replace the dignity of having enough money to buy your own food.

“We know this can change. It’s now time for our new Chancellor to do his part in the forthcoming Budget and match these acts of compassion by doing the right thing and putting money back into the pockets of people who most need support.

“It’s in our power as a country to end the need for food banks.

"To reach that future, we need to make sure everyone has enough money for the essentials. The government’s first priority must be ensuring our benefits system anchors us all from the rising tide of poverty by ending the five week wait for Universal Credit.”

While the amount of food donated allowed food banks to support increasing numbers of people, the Trussell Trust is also asking the public to check what items their local food bank is most in need of and to donate all year round to ensure vital support is available to local people in crisis, no matter the time of year.