PUPILS and school communities are helping to boost an urgent appeal to help a foodbank out of a crisis by replenishing dwindling supplies.

Youngsters and their schools are supporting Barrow Foodbank, which through The Mail's Tonnes of Tins appeal, is working to get its stock back to a healthy level.

Last month it was revealed that Barrow Foodbank had just four weeks of supplies left - an all-time low as it was heading into the summer holidays period when there is high demand from families.

The Mail - which made a £500 donation to the charity - has set a 10-tonne target through the Tonnes of Tins appeal, and the community is responding amazingly well.

Today a van full of food, donated by St Pius X Catholic Primary School and St George's CE Primary School, arrived at Barrow Foodbank, at Abbey Road Baptist Church.

At St Pius, each time a child brought an item of food into class this week they received a raffle ticket and the raffle was drawn today.

Rose Steele, of St Pius, said: "Our pupils love supporting charities and good causes, they want to support Barrow Foodbank and the community with their donations."

Alison Griffiths, deputy manager at Barrow Foodbank, said: "The schools, and others in the community, are being really supportive. It' s fantastic, we are very grateful."