A new social supermarket has officially opened its doors to help tackle food poverty.

Named Sandwich Pantry, it will help families in Sandwich by selling quality food and essentials at cut prices.

The not-for-profit venture is a joint project nine months in the making and was officially opened by the mayor Cllr Paul Graeme and his mayoress Sue on Monday, April 12.

It is based at St Peter's Church in Market Street.

Sandwich Pantry was formed by a working group and volunteers.

Cllr David Wood is its chairman.

He said: "The working group and our volunteers were happy to receive them and start serving the local community.

"Sandwich Pantry takes delivery of products from FareShare every Monday which are available to our members.

"In addition to this we are able to source produce from local farms as and when they are available."

During the ceremony the mayor commented on what can be achieved when the local community comes together.

Cllr Wood thanked the working group for "all their dedication and commitment" and said: "The Sandwich Pantry Working Group aims to build an organisation which meets our members’ needs, which belongs to them, and can be shaped by them."

The supermarket will allow members to select and purchase 10 items of food which would normally cost £15 for a £4 weekly membership.

The project was brought to fruition by volunteers and support from the Sandwich Tollbridge Fund.

Food provider FareShare is a national organisation fighting hunger and tackling food waste.

The base, at St Peter’s has been made available thanks to the Churches Conservation Trust.

Residents who are finding it difficult to make ends meet and feed themselves or their families can register an interest in joining Sandwich Pantry by emailing oursandwichpantry@gmail.com or calling 07377 808 477 between 11am and 1pm on weekdays.

Read more: All the latest news from Sandwich