A POP-UP shop and restaurant in Darlington have managed to bring a sense of community to the area whilst supporting those in need.

The Food for Thought group has launched another successful event in Darlington, with plans for future pop-up shops across the town.

The event at Red Hall Community Centre fed 45 people by gathering excess food, which was donated by supermarkets and local businesses in the area.

The group also offered essentials such as clothing and sanitary products for those in need.

Group founder Louise Graham, was inspired to start the group after working with Refuse, an organisation which gathers food before it can become waste and then offers accessible meals.

Ms Graham said the event at Red Hall went extremely well and thanked all the groups who donated to the event including the Federation of Abbey Schools and Cockerton Co-op.

She added: “It’s about community not charity. We value people not money. There is so much inequality in Darlington between the people who have surplus, and just get rid of foods when they are done consuming than the people who haven’t, we are hoping to address this and find a balance.

“There’s no distinguishing between the volunteers and the customers. It’s about respecting people and their circumstances.”

The group uses pay-as-you-feel where customers have no expectation of paying but can if they feel eligible. Many customers volunteer at the pop-up restaurant as payment, choosing to help out with other events.

Anyone wanting to get involved, should contact FFTDarlington on Facebook.