A MALVERN solicitor's firm is helping the town's foodbank after usage rose by more than 60 per cent.

Russell and Co are collecting donations to help the Malvern Foodbank, which announced earlier this month that the number of people using it had risen by 65 per cent in the last year.

The firm is opening its doors to anyone who would like to drop off items including pasta, tinned foods, nappies and toiletries which will be delivered to Malvern Hills Foodbank.

Victoria Knight, director and shareholder of the firm, said: "We are all too aware that more people than ever are turning to Foodbanks.

"We will be accepting donations between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm Monday, December 2 until Thursday, December 5.

"Please bring your items to our office in Church Street, Malvern where you will be warmly received.

"Help us to help those in need in our community."

Peter Buchanan, chairman of Malvern Hills Foodbank, said: "In the year ending September 30, the foodbank provided 2,545 emergency parcels, each giving a three-day supply of food and non-food items to one adult or child. This is a 65 per cent increase from the total of the previous year, 1,542 parcels.

"The people of the Malvern area have been hugely supportive and generous since the foodbank opened.

"At this time of year, it is even more difficult for many families and individuals who are in crisis, so any donations are extremely welcome."

The Malvern Foodbank announced the increase in usage after the head of the Trussell Trust said it had recorded its busiest ever six month period, with more than a third of its emergency parcels going to children.

According to the charity, one of the key issues faced by foodbank users is the five week wait for Universal Credit.