BARNARD Castle is set to open its second foodbank after growing concerns that people in the area are falling on hard times.

Volunteers at the Influence Church, in Galgate, are preparing to open the service, which will be part of their StoreHouse project.

It is expected to be up and running next month and has already had donations following the Harvest Festival.

StoreHouse coordinator, Paige Rutherford, said the foodbank would be an addition to the ‘discreet’ one ran through St Mary’s Methodist Church and would be working in partnership with it.

It also follows the success of the church’s existing Richmond project which, in the two years it has been open, has helped about 400 different families and provided more than 32,000 meals.

“We do know there’s a need in the area because we have had people in Barnard Castle actually come to our Richmond base looking for some help,” said Mrs Rutherford.

“There are quite a few people that come to us who aren’t homeless or broke, they are just in a tough situation.”

Mrs Rutherford explained how people would be able to self refer themselves to the foodbank if they have not already been put forward by an organisation, and clients can expect to receive parcels, containing mostly tinned and non-perishable items, for up to eight weeks.

Fresh produce including fruit, vegetables and bread could also be included if donated, with each parcel aiming to provide enough food for a family to have at least two meals a day for a week.

Clients would have to provide proof that they are in need by their second visit and after eight weeks would be assessed again, as that is usually the point that they would be asked to take a six-month break from the project.

Mrs Rutherford is currently being helped by the foodbank’s first volunteer and Influence Church intern, Lesley Allison, 52, who is expected to be joined by at least three others once the service opens.

Mrs Allison, of Staindrop, said: “I’m looking forward to getting started. I’m a bit apprehensive and nervous but excited because it will be a great help for people.

“I don’t think people will realise just how much we need a place like this.”

To find out more visit www.influencechurch.co.uk/storehouse, email office@influencechurch.co.uk or call 01748-823161.

You can also find the church on Facebook and twitter @influencechurch