THE city's foodbank is still facing an "unprecedented demand" but the positive response to its summer appeal has eased pressure a little.

In June, the Fill Up for Foodbank campaign encouraged businesses, schools, churches, clubs and other community groups to fill up an empty bin, box or basket, which would then be collected by the charity.

This scheme came to an end in the middle of last month and Grahame Lucas, manager of the Lowesmoor-based foodbank, said the branch's new motto is "keeping our foot on the gas pedal" as he looks to maintain the level of donations.

"To put it in a nutshell, the demand is still high but we have had a good response to the appeal," he said, but emphasised: "We don't want people to think it's job done."

On Monday, posting in response to news a Grimsby food bank may have to close due to high summer demand, the Worcester Foodbank's Twitter page posted: "We’re also facing unprecedented demand in Worcester due to the problems caused by Universal Credit. It’s unacceptable that so many people are unable to afford the very basics like food, rent and heating."

Low income and problems caused by UC are forcing unprecedented numbers of people to turn to foodbanks for a lifeline, with the charity having fed over 3,100 clients between January and June – about 800 more than at the same time last year.

Referrals have been climbing with every passing month and during May they were up 61 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Mr Lucas said "more channels for donating are opening up" including a new scheme which allows online shoppers to have deliveries sent straight to the food bank.

READ MORE: Here's how you can help Worcester foodbank home

Contact info@worcester.foodbank.org.uk for more on how you can get involved.