FOOD bank staff in Cirencester have reported seeing more people using the service in the past year, but have put it down to increased awareness.

The Trussell Trust, which manages the UK's largest network of food banks recently announced that the number of people using food banks has risen 19 per cent, compared to last year, with more than one million people receiving food in 2014/15.

Project manager at Cirencester foodbank Rachel Brindley said she had seen a small increase in the number of local people using the food bank in the last 12 months but said it was nothing to be concerned about.

"We fed just more than 2,080 people in the last year, ending March 2015," she said. "This included 848 children. The figure was 2,050 the previous year.

"Cirencester food bank has been open for around two and a half years now and people are more aware of the work we do.

"Ideally we would not have to provide any food in Cirencester but there is obviously a need for food banks."

To use a food bank, people have to be referred by a doctor, social worker or job centre staff, who give them a voucher which can be exchanged for food. Those who need it receive three vouchers over a six month period and then the food bank volunteers refer the person to another service - so they can receive further help.

Cirencester food bank, based at Ashcroft church, is keen to hear from potential volunteers. Anyone interested is urged to call 07506 174373.