Last updated at 13:19, Monday, 24 December 2012

A TOWN’S generosity in supporting its food bank has been praised in the run-up to Christmas.

The festive season can be a difficult time of year for many people and a team of around 15 volunteers are working together to ensure help is available for those that need it.
The Ulverston food bank opened two weeks ago after a determined effort to get it up and running in time for Christmas.
Organisers said they have been delighted with the level of public support.
The Reverend Andy Batchelor is co-ordinating the effort in Ulverston, which has seen a number of local churches come together to distribute food packages.
He said: “It has been fantastic – people have been very generous.
“Only last week we had a big donation from the local Girl Guides.”
Ulverston District Guides donated around 60 items of food to the cause.
Guide leader Margaret Shannon said they had read about the newly formed food bank in the Evening Mail and decided to do what they could to help as one of their regular community projects.
The food bank has helped seven clients so far, ranging from individuals to small families, but demand could increase as more people become aware of it.
Mr Batchelor said: “We did push to open before Christmas because it is an important time of year for people.
“It is not a good time for people who are struggling to put food on the table, for whatever reason.”
He added that he had been pleased with the number of people volunteering to help and said the food bank is always looking for any assistance people can offer.
He said: “We need ongoing contributions from people – we always welcome that – and if anybody would like to volunteer to help here that would be brilliant.”
The food bank opens at Ulverston Parish Church, in Church Walk, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11am to 1pm and on Fridays from noon to 2pm. It will be closed on Boxing Day but reopens on Friday.
Anyone who would like to get involved is asked to contact Rev Andy Batchelor on 01229 588081.

First published at 13:18, Monday, 24 December 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk