A successful food bank collection means people struggling to make ends meet can still enjoy a Christmas treat this year.

Over the weekend Medway Foodbank held its annual collection in Tesco stores, including the Extra in Courteney Road, Gillingham.

The total has yet to be fully calculated and compared with last year but the centre is on track to have raised more than ever before during a three day collection.

Project manager Ian Childs said: “A massive thank you to everyone who supports us.

“Everyone who helped us, from our usual volunteers to people from local businesses like mhs homes and Lloyds, were amazed by everyone’s generosity.

“What was nice to see, was how many people really took on board the list of items we really needed.

“We have a lot of cans and there are other things we are really grateful for.

“We just want people to be able to have a Christmas in a similar way to the rest of us; to be able to have a bit of chocolate or Christmas pudding and not have to worry about the cost, or if they can also afford to heat their homes. Why shouldn’t they have that?"

Hunger remains a serious concern for many families as hundreds more people are seeking emergency food supplies from the Medway Foodbank this year compared to last.

Some people are facing a genuine dilemma, of ‘heating or eating’ and as a result of the increased reliance on the food bank, the Medway Messenger is supporting it for this year’s Christmas Appeal.

The food bank, which is to become a registered charity next year, also needs funds to be able to keep going.

The team is aiming to set up a group called Medway Foodbank’s 500 Friends, willing to donate £1 a week.

Mr Childs said: “I can’t imagine people’s reliance on the Foodbank is going to do anything other than increase in the short term.”

To sign up to help, email info@medway.foodbank.org.uk or call 01634 757057.