Formby Labour members contribute to mass food bank collection

Southport Food Bank received a welcome boost to its Christmas supplies after Labour party members in Formby donated dozens of bags of shopping.

The Labour candidate for Harington ward for May's Sefton Council elections, Carol Richards, organised the collection among the 150 party members in the ward.

The haul was gratefully received by the food bank this week, and the organisation posted on Facebook: "It is often forgotten that Formby forms a part of our area and is served by a distribution centre there. We thank them for their thoughtfulness and generosity."

Mrs Richards, a retired lecturer who runs a charity serving some of the most deprived communities in Liverpool, said: "The food banks are under stress right now due to the demand by some of the poorest in our communities and we felt that we could do something to help.

"Labour Party members in Formby were very generous and we were amazed at how keen they were to help not only did they donate food but also Christmas gifts for children.

"We are aware that food banks are facing increasing demand following the roll out of Universal Credit which is leaving many without benefits for up to 5 weeks after a claim. We wanted to do what we could to contribute to our local food-bank stocks in the run up to Christmas."

Carol with the bags of shopping after the collection

Top photo shows Carol with a Labour members Liz Mercer and Lawrence Harris at the Southport food bank