A foodbank is appealing for people's continued support ahead of "dire" unemployment predictions.

Deal Area Foodbank has helped more than a thousand people cope with food poverty throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and has warned that the crisis is not over.

While thanking donors for their support so far, project coordinator Sheila Ward is also making a plea for continued help.

She said: "Please continue to donate. The crisis is not over.

"Already there is the spectre of unemployment stalking the land, with dire predictions about how high the number will go.

"As the benefits system creaks under the strain, people will turn to foodbanks – and we want to be ready to help.

"We cannot do our part without the support of our local community, with all its variety – from individual supporters to corporate sponsors.

"The virus has not gone away, and food poverty in our area has not disappeared.

"With your support – individuals, organisations, businesses, local councils – we will continue to provide for those in need."

Since April 1, the foodbank which operates across Deal , Sandwich and Aylesham has handed out parcels to 1,003 people.

"It's a staggering amount," said Mrs Ward.

It's been possible thanks to large donations from major supermarkets, as well as regular supplies from High Street shops and individual donations left at collection points.

Local restaurants and cafés like Deal Pier Kitchen have also donated goods as well as cooked meals in their kitchens while they were closed for lockdown.

Mrs Ward said: "In the same period, we have received donations of money well in excess of what we normally receive from our regular cash donors.

"During this crisis, we have found that cash donations give us greater flexibility to carry on providing a healthy diet for those in need."

Monetary donations are therefore also welcomed and can be made at dealarea.foodbank.org.uk

Food item donations can be left at: Sainsbury’s in West Street, Co-op in Mill Hill, Trinity Church in West Street, Community Church in Victoria Road, the Golf Road Centre and Tesco Extra in Broadstairs,

There are also collection points at Deal Town Hall, and at over 40 local churches, schools and community centres.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal