Volunteers have been praised for their role in assisting a food bank in its hour of need.

The Swanscombe Food Cellar has been operating in the high street for just over a year but saw an upsurge in demand once the Covid-19 pandemic began.

With increased use, extra help was needed to sort, pack and deliver numerous items.

Thankfully, various members of the community stepped up to fill the void and ensured the service could continue to run.

The project is backed by local churches and supported by the fundraising activities of the Northfleet and Ebbsfleet Lions charity.

Two of its members – Michael Parker and Lorna Cross – were on hand to present certificates of appreciation to volunteers Janet and Barry Errington, Bella Sells, Lyn Richards, and Charlotte Mathews.

Michael said: "We thought we wanted to do a little more to help the Swanscombe area."

"The big improvement has been these people actually doing the job."

But he says the real stars were the day-to-day volunteers, who have been running around picking up and delivering vital food parcels.

He added: "The big improvement has been these people actually doing the job."

Donations to the food back are collected from St Peter and St Paul's Church in Swanscombe Street, each week.

For more information call 01322 387 096 or 01322 383 160.

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