A FOOD bank has been presented with a cash donation by a building society’s charity arm.

The Food 4 U project, which has been based in Consett since 2011, has been awarded £200 from Newcastle Building Society Community Fund.

Based at the Salvation Army Hall and run by a team of around 50 volunteers, Food 4 U opens every weekday morning to receive donations and give out food parcels.

On average, the project distributes 40 food parcels per week, each of which provides breakfast, lunch and supper for three days.

Food is donated by local stores, churches, schools and shoppers, with cash donations used to buy additional supplies and help meet its running costs.

Food 4 U recently set up a second food bank in Stanley to meet demand from clients in that area.

Treasurer Janet Arbon said: "The fact that a further nine food banks have opened across County Durham since we set up 18 months ago shows just how much demand there is at the moment for the service we provide, so the Newcastle’s donation is extremely welcome.

"We have an amazing number of local people who come forward both to help us run the project and to donate to it, and this is a wonderful example of a community coming together to help those within it that need help."

The Food 4 U project is one of 15 good causes across the North-East nominated for help by Newcastle Building Society staff.

Kelly McGuire, manager of the building society’s Consett branch, said: "The need for the Food 4 U project has grown considerably since it opened, and in difficult times, it is providing invaluable support for dozens of local people."