A LEDBURY company has stepped in to support Malvern Hills Foodbank with a donation of food.

The donation was made by the Helping Hand Company, which is based at the Bromyard Road Industrial Estate, as part of a new community initiative.

The Helping Hand Community Trust will each year donate £20,000 to support initiatives in the area.

Gavin James, the firm's managing director, said: "As a business we firmly believe in supporting our local community and this was my principal aim in setting up the community trust.

"I am delighted to support the Malvern Hills Foodbank, which the committee selected as their first local recipient."

Helping over 7,500 people in the last five years, the Malvern Hill Foodbank gives out three-day emergency supplies to those most in need.

Armed with a shopping list, committee team members Tracey Aylen and Lisa Preedy of the community trust's committee, headed to Ledbury Aldi.

With the assistance of staff at the Leadon Way superstore, they filled up seven trolleys with enough essentials to support up to 50 people in times of crisis.

Peter Buchanan, chair of Malvern Hills Foodbank, said: "This is a terrific gesture from The Helping Hand Company and from the support team at Aldi.

"Tracey and Lisa brought in just over 500kg of food, personal and household items, having researched our specific needs.

"We know how vital these donations are to our clients so would like to thank you on their behalf."