KIND-HEARTED volunteers spent Christmas Day delivering dozens of meals to people in need.

Volunteers at the NQA (No Questions Asked) food bank, in Darlington, were working with Babul's Foundation, which made 200 meals, to spread some Christmas cheer on Friday to make sure those in need had a hot meal.

They were able to deliver some meals, to those who were unable to get out of the homes, while other food packages were handed out to people from its headquarters, which is behind Cornerstone Arts Centre, in Northgate.

Stephen Morgan, food bank coordinator, said: "We were just aiming to spread a bit of festive cheer.

"We really have had one of the worst years. It's been a year of hell for everyone, it's like a collective year of suffering and we are trying to make something positive.

"Nothing we've done would have been possible if it wasn't for teamwork."

He added: "The response has been insane, almost to the point of it being overwhelming.

"It's utterly amazing the response from people in terms of donations.

"We've had a lot of support from businesses in the town. They have really stepped up, both in donations and it raising awareness of the service.

"It's been brilliant."

The food bank also had toys to hand out following a successful appeal by Darlington Scouts, who collected so many items they spent two days wrapping them up to give out.

And they have also been working with Peter Miller, also known as Miss Annbag, to provide about 50 bikes through Bike Stop Darlington, and 150 Christmas hampers.

The food bank was set up in November and works with the existing Kings Church facility.

Mr Morgan said: "The demand has been scarily high. Though we're no questions asked, we do ask some questions and there are certain times when people have repeatedly come to the food bank so we have tried to get them further support.

"It is meant to be an interim measure, not a long-term fix. If people are relying heavily on food banks there is another problem and we do try to help that."

The food bank, which was open on Boxing Day and Sunday, will also open tomorrow between 12pm and 5pm.

For more information visit www.nqafoodbank.co.uk.