A VOLUNTEER who selflessly gives his time to help serve food at a community kitchen in Barrow has called on businesses to donate money to their cause.

Timothy Leeson, 46, from Ulverston, helps out at Barrow Community Kitchen at St Matthews Hall in Highfield Road.

The kitchen, which was set up in January earlier this year by John Wright and Sharon Foden feeds those who might otherwise go hungry and offers social interaction for those who feel isolated or lonely.

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The Blue Lamp in Crellin Street, Barrow, recently donated £200 to the kitchen and Mr Leeson is keen for other businesses in the Furness area to delve into their pockets to keep the project going.

He said: "We need as many donations as possible to allow us to pay the rent because the demand is still there.

"We need businesses to come forward and offer their support because this kitchen is the only one of its kind in the area and for us to survive we need donations towards our rent.

"We cater for a large range of people. Some have had their benefits sanctioned and can't afford to feed their kids but there are also some people who can't get to the kitchen so some of our volunteers use their own petrol to pick them up."

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The 46-year-old has enjoyed getting to know people at the kitchen and has said that helping those in need has given him "a sense of purpose."

He added: "I love it. Some of the stories I have heard about people's deprivation and poverty just makes me realise how lucky I am. It has been a real eye-opener.

"The whole community aspect of the kitchen is great, they don't necessarily have to be poor, we invite anybody and everybody - we are all inclusive.

"We are really grateful for any donations that we get but for us to continue and to make a better society we need businesses to help us out."

Anybody who wants to donate money or food to the kitchen should get in touch with Sharon Foden or John Wright via the kitchen's Facebook page.