FIGURES released by Atherton and Leigh Foodbank show that there has been a 15 per cent increase in the amount of people using its services.

From April to September 2017 and the same period this year, there has been 306 more people who have used the provider’s foodbanks.

In those statistics, the number of food parcels being supplied to children has shot up 22 per cent from 683 to 833.

The delay of Universal Credit claimants receiving funds, which can take up to six weeks, is one of the main reasons why the foodbank is handing out more supplies.

As Christmas approaches, the foodbank is currently experiencing a busy period with 130 to 150 food parcels being handed out to service users a week – the equivalent to a tonne-and-a-half of food.

Atherton and Leigh Foodbank project manager Warren Done, said: “The foodbank is a lifeline to many people who struggle for what ever reason to put food on the table for themselves and their children.

“Our distribution centres are very welcoming and non judging and are only to happy to help. We also constantly need the help of the community who do a great job and donate to us to help local people in crisis. As well as universal credit, other factors such as low income and debt can lead people to come to us as well as domestic abuse and homelessness.

“At the moment 35 per cent of people we help are low income families who are working and are counting on every penny.

A large bill can tip them into trouble especially with winter round the corner and fuel bills rising.

"Many people will have to choose between eating and heating as well as rent rises.

"I would also like to thank all the amazing volunteers who kindly give their time to help in the distribution centres and supermarket collection days.”

The foodbank is inviting volunteers to take part in supermarket collections on November 29 and 30 as well as December 1 with more collections later in the year.

If you are interested contact Warren on 07980 881925.