A FOODBANK has seen the need for assistance soar with the number of people in need quadrupling compared to last year as the coronavirus crisis bites.

Hambleton Foodshare organisers say they do not expect the need to drop for many months to come as the virus creates spiralling financial hardship. In April the charity distributed 312 parcels compared to 70 in the same month last year.

They operate across the Northallerton, Bedale, Thirsk and Stokesley area. Chairman Michael Webster said: "We are seeing a steady rise each month. We are seeing people coming for parcels who say they thought they would never be in such a desperate plight that they had to rely upon a foodbank.

"We are meeting the need due to the amazing generosity of our communities who are continuing to donate despite the number of collection points decreasing and also to a larger intake of cash donations from individuals, organisations and companies." Go to www.hambletonfoodshare.org.uk