I WOULD like to draw your attention to the use of foodbanks in the UK.

During the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a 61 per cent increase in people needing the help and support of a food parcel, with six parcels being handed out every minute across the UK.

During the pandemic, around half of the people who have used a foodbank have never needed to use one before. Families with children are being hardest hit.

Foodbanks in County Durham have also experienced greatly increased demand for food parcels. Foodbanks are greatly in need of tinned meats, tinned custard, tinned rice pudding, tinned soups, rice, noodles, pasta, tea, coffee and UHT milk.

Please continue to support your local foodbank during these most difficult times. Woodhouse Close foodbank in Bishop Auckland is in particular need of tinned meats and good, strong carrier bags.

Julie Stirk, Labour Party Prospective Candidate for Durham County Council (Woodhouse Close).