Barrow Foodbank has thanked generous donations as the organisation gears up for the most important time of the year.

A coffee morning was hosted on Saturday to raise money so struggling families can get through the harsh winter months.

The coffee morning, at Abbey Road Baptist Church, raised £169.90 to fund food supplies to assist people with low income.

With Christmas on the way and universal credit expected to hit low-income families the hardest, the demand for foodbanks has seen a 31 per cent increase year on year in the demand for food.

This has left supplies much lower than usual for this time of year.

As preparations increase for the winter and the Christmas period, the foodbank’s storage is 2.5 tonnes lighter than usual.

Ann Mills, manager of the foodbank, said they have geared up for an increase in demand.

She said: “When Universal credit comes through, we expect people to fall through the net.”

“A lot has been put in place to meet demands including new collection points.

“We have several set up at local supermarkets so people can recognise that we are collecting.”

Mrs Mills said that stocks have doubled in the last 20 days.

Multiple businesses and schools have donated tonnes of supplies to aid desperate families.

She has thanked everyone who has helped and who helped with the fundraising over the weekend.

She said: “We live in a tremendous community who give their support during desperate times.

“All the extra food that we collected have gone towards a good reserve for the winter.

“I would like to say thanks to everybody that has helped out.

“It is very generous and it is very appreciated.”