GENEROUS shoppers in Cirencester have donated nearly two tonnes of food to a cause that will provide hungry people with food over Christmas.

Volunteers from Cirencester Foodbank were on hand at the Tesco store in Kingsmeadow earlier in the month and collected 1.9 tonnes of food over the three days that they were based in the shop.

Mandy Fry, chairman of Cirencester Foodbank, said: “The collection went really well. So many people were kind enough to buy an extra item of food to donate to us.

“I think it’s really heartening that people will buy extra to give to those who are in need.”

She also said that it was “really lovely” that some people who had used the Foodbank in the past had come to the Tesco collection to donate something.

The Foodbank, which operates out of Ashcroft Church, now had around five tonnes of food in storage that will be handed out to people who struggle to feed themselves and their family.

Mandy said volunteers at the Foodbank have seen an increase of people in recent weeks.

She said: “I think it could be down to the changes being made to the benefits system. It’s really had a big effect on a lot of young people.”

It is estimated that the Foodbank gives away more than a tonne and a half of food every month and with Christmas approaching, it is likely that the amount will increase.

For more information on the Cirencester Foodbank, visit www.cirencester.foodbank.org.uk.