ANNUAL figures show an increase in the thousands of people in need of emergency food in mid Cheshire.

Mid Cheshire Foodbank (MCFB) gave 3,089 three-day emergency food supplies in the 2015 to 2016 period, with 40 per cent going to children.

This compares to 2,797 given out in the previous year.

In mid Cheshire, 26.5 per cent of referrals were because of benefit delay, 23.9 per cent because of low income and 17.6 per cent because of benefit changes.

Jo Rafferty MCFB project co-ordinator, said: "We are still seeing an increase in the number of three day emergency food supplies provided to local people in crisis.

"The numbers increased by over 10 per cent in the last year.

"That’s why the foodbank is so vital.

"We are very grateful for the ongoing support of the community, and hope that one day there will be no need for us in mid Cheshire area.

"Until that day comes, we will continue to offer the best possible service to help local people facing a crisis."

During the past year, residents have donated 35 tonnes of food to MCFB.

Schools, supermarket, businesses, faith groups and individuals have provided vital support to the foodbank, enabling it to give three days’ nutritionally balanced food and support to people in crisis.

MCFB has permanent collection boxes at Tesco Northwich, Waitrose Northwich and Sainsbury’s Local at Hartford and a collection point at Abbeycroft Vets.

As well as providing emergency food, MCFB also provides essentials like toiletries, washing powder, nappies and hygiene products to families who are struggling, as well as signposting them to other services in the area that can offer support.

MCFB is run by volunteers and the running costs are raised locally.

For more information about the foodbank, volunteering or fundraising visit midcheshire.foodbank.org.uk.