A FOOD bank in the former steel town of Consett has taken on bigger premises to cope with the growing demand for the service.

Food4U collects thousands of pounds worth of cans and packets from churches, schools, community groups and supermarket collection bins every month.

Parcels containing enough for three square meals for three days are then handed to people who referred by Jobcentre Plus, social services or the Citizen's Advice Bureau.

But secretary Margaret Nealis said it was a last resort for many, such as the young unemployed, families and older people, who collect the parcels.

She said: "Most people are really upset when they come in. They hate coming in because they are embarrassed but we usually manage to patch them up and send them out a little bit happier. It is particularly bad for the older folks, if anyone over 50 comes through the door they are talking about shame and how they have never had to do this in their lives. They cannot think of anywhere else to go."

Food4U has moved from the Salvation Army Citadel on Sherburn Terrace to Glenroyd House on Medomsley Road, and the official opening was held today. (Friday, October 18) Durham County Councillor Watson said: "It is a sad indictment on Central Government that this service is necessary but it does provide some salvation to people who need to feed their children. It is a lifeline to people."

Coun Watson and fellow Councillor Owen Temple have donated 9,000 from their neighbourhood budgets to pay the rent for the service for the next three years.

Coun Temple added: "This place is more discreet and most people do not want to advertise the fact they are coming to use a food bank. There is space to talk to people here who can help them organise their own lives and affairs more effectively."

It is a similar story in other areas of the North-East.

Ernie Temple, of Newton Aycliffe Foodbank, said they had seen an increase in demand every month since it opened 14 months ago.

"We are coping quite well and we have never had to turn anyone away, but it is a juggling act," said Mr Temple. "I have heard some very sad stories about how people have been surviving, but on the other side of the coin we have had so many generous people coming forward to donate."

At Redcar Area Foodbank, Ruth Fox said the winter and Christmas periods were going to be difficult for many.

"I feel that communities are coming together more because people are wanting to help but it is shameful that we are having to do it in this country."

While Lisa Marsh, of the Darlington FoodStore Network, users were up by a third compared to this time last year.

"People are struggling," she said. "And it seems to be taking them longer to get back on their feet."