MORE than four tonnes of food has been donated to Barrow Foodbank since The Mail’s 'Feed our Foodbank' campaign was launched last week.

Feed our Foodbank was set up to make sure no-one has to go hungry in Barrow, Furness, Ulverston or Millom this winter.

Barrow foodbank manager Ann Mills said she has been "overwhelmed" by the support of local people and companies to help families during the tough winter months.

According to Mrs Mills, volunteers give out six and a half tonnes of food every month and as Universal Credit has come into play, they expect a 31 per cent increase in demand over the winter period.

Mrs Mills said the generosity of the public has been outstanding.

She said: “The response from local people, business and well-respected companies across the region since The Mail launched its campaign has been amazing.

“We have had a great start with the donations that have been coming in and we hope it continues.

“Everyone at the foodbank has been overwhelmed with the amount of food that has been donated."

Mrs Mills said the kind-hearted donation of 50 presents by GlaxoSmithKline will make Christmas for many children extra special.

She said some children in Barrow do not receive presents and this gesture highlights the community's spirit.

“Unfortunately some children don’t get presents at Christmas, which is heartbreaking, she said.

“To get this type of donation from GSK is absolutely tremendous and some children’s lives will be complete at Christmas because of this.

“The donation is amazing and it will make one big difference to families.

“When they open their present on Christmas Day it will make their year, so we would like to thank GSK for this.”

Despite the fantastic efforts of many people in south Cumbria, donations are still needed.

The Mail's campaign is trying to build up the foodbank's food stores to 35 tonnes of food by the end of January.

Mrs Mills said stocks are currently at 21 tonnes.

She said: “Last year we helped 523 families in one month during winter.

“We expect families to fall through the net due to Universal Credit, so we expect to see a rise in people using our foodbanks again.

“Everyone at the foodbank can’t express how grateful we are for the kind donations people have made already, but we do need more if we are to reach our goal.

“Any sort of help, small or large, makes a difference.

“If you can donate anything to our foodbank then please do, it will make a difference.”

Donations can be dropped off at The Mail office in Abbey Road.