Ormskirk Foodbank has received “bags” of support from Co-op members and customers as the charity reports an increase in demand for its support and services.

The Wigan Road shop – which opened in November to serve the community - has now become a permanent collection point for the Foodbank, which has reported a 30% increase in demand, and is appealing for a range of items including: soup; cereal; pasta sauce; tinned fruit and vegetables; rice pudding, toiletries and jam.

Gareth McBurney, store manager, told QLocal yestyerday: “As a community retailer we are committed to connecting our community, bringing people together and making a difference locally.

"By working together, we can help to make a difference to the lives of people locally who are facing difficulty - we have now handed over our first collection, and we would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to our members, customers and colleagues whose generous donations and support, no matter how small, is making a big difference to people in need in our community.”

Gareth's pictured with Bill Jones from the Foodbank who called in to receive the first donations.