The number of foodbank users in Barrow, Millom and Ulverston has doubled in the past week amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Furness foodbanks have seen a surge in demand since the coronavirus crisis has worsened.

Last week across Barrow, Millom and Ulverston foodbanks fed 257 people, 115 of those were children.

This compares to 78 people (33 of which were children) in the previous week.

Barrow foodbank has already put over 50 emergency food boxes into the community and more will be going out this week.

Currently, all foodbanks are in need of UHT juice, UHT milk, bread, tinned spaghetti and tinned carrots.

Jayne Moorby, communications officer for Barrow foodbank said: “We rely on volunteers to run the foodbank, many of our regular volunteers are older and need to self-isolate to protect their own health.

“We have issued a call for new volunteers and we have been overwhelmed by the positive response we’ve received.

“If people want to volunteer, they can contact the centre or message us via facebook.

“We’d like to offer heart felt thanks to all of our volunteers, it wouldn’t be possible to do it without them.

“We are working closely in collaboration with a number of local partners and we’re supporting the local multi-agency hub.

“We are continuing to work by a voucher system supplying food for those in poverty.

“Unfortunately, we are not able to support those who have the means to buy food but who can’t access shopping due to isolating, the correct route for these people is via the hub on 01229 444407.

“This is an exceptionally busy time for the team, we appreciate the support of the community.”