AN MP has called for work to be undertaken to ensure foodbanks are consigned to history - as a campaign launched by The Mail to tackle a crisis in local donations thunders towards its target.

John Woodcock took to the aisles and checkouts of Tesco to hold his own collection for the Barrow Foodbank as part of our Tonnes of Tins campaign.

Mr Woodcock was keen to do his bit after learning the charity - which helps people from Ulverston to Barrow and Millom along with the towns and villages in between - faced an unprecedented shortage in donations.

He said: "Since Barrow Foodbank opened five years ago, its volunteers and those who have made contributions have made things just that bit more tolerable for thousands of people in our community who are struggling to get by.

“From the beginning of this year there has been a sharp increase in the number of families and individuals needing assistance from the foodbank, with benefits sanctions and low pay, coupled with irregular hours, playing a role in this rising demand.

“Our community has responded brilliantly in its usual, caring way with individuals and organisations of many different stripes giving food and cash donations.

"I was glad to be able to join with volunteers at Tesco Metro in Flass Lane to help with the collection. Foodbanks are presently a vital lifeline, but we must work towards establishing a Britain in which they are a thing of the past.”

The Mail launched its Tonnes of Tins campaign after it emerged supplies at Barrow Foodbank were at an all time low - while demand was at a record high.

We are calling for the public to help us collect 10 tonnes of food before schools break up for the holiday.

Once the summer break starts, there is huge pressure on the foodbank as families struggling to cope turn to it for help.

Figures show that for many children, a school dinner is the only proper meal they will enjoy in a day.

James Higgins, editor of The Mail , said: "The latest figures show we are just shy of seven tonnes of food.

"We have a real chance to make a massive difference here, so I'd urge anybody who can spare a few pounds to buy some items for the foodbank and, either use collections points at supermarkets, or visit the foodbank's bases in Barrow, Millom or Ulverston."