A FOODBANK has come to the aid of nearly 500 hungry children over the summer holidays, as more and more Furness families face financial pressure.

Barrow Foodbank has provided food for 487 children since the beginning of the school break, with 107 under-pressure families having been referred to the service.

The charity has even been approached by one desperate man who could no longer afford to feed his dog and was facing the prospect of having his beloved pet put down.

Ann Mills, project manager of the foodbank, said the service was a "sticking plaster" for local people who are feeling the effects of benefit cuts, job losses, zero-hours contacts, long-term illness and a range of other issues.

She said: "We wish we didn't have to be here but we are glad we can help those in need.

"One man came to us with his labrador that he was unable to feed.

"He asked us to help find her a new home because if he couldn't feed her or re-home her then she would have to be put down.

"The look on his face when we were able to find him some dog food was amazing.

"I know we are often a sticking plaster for people, but it is nice to know we can help when they are in crisis."

The Foodbank, based at Abbey Road Baptist Church in Barrow, received 6.5 tonnes of food in June, increasing to 8.7 tonnes in July.

Since the start of the summer appeal, an additional 10.3 tonnes of food have been donated by generous south Cumbrians.

Mrs Mills said: "We are really positive that we are able to help people in so many ways.

"It is not the same people coming year after year, it is always someone new coming in.

The foodbank does not just help people who need to be fed - they give out fuel vouchers, as well as having someone from Citizens Advice on hand to provide information and support.

Mrs Mills added: "There are now community kitchens and cafes serving lunches so people have options; I am always in favour of people being able to choose."

The Foodbank is always looking for more donations and welcomes food, household essentials, toiletries and pet food.