Local Barrow schools, the Bluebirds Trust, Barrow AFC staff and the community are joining forces once again for their annual Christmas Foodbank Appeal.

Any donations can be delivered to the club offices at the Bluebirds’ Holker Street stadium up to December 17. The club will match the donations collected.

“Over the years, the schools, fans and club have provided thousands of meals this way,” said Trust chairman Steve Herbert.

"It’s also a good chance to provide little extras for things like toiletries and selection boxes etc.

The information has been shared with all Furness schools.

Any school wishing to have their donations collected from their schools by Bluebirds Trust volunteers on December 17 should contact Anya Wood at Barrow AFC on 01229 666010.

Last year’s Foodbank Appeal was a roaring success, with 1.3 tonnes worth of food being gathered, which created 3,223 meals for those most at need during the Christmas period.

Barrow AFC chairman Paul Hornby said it was an initiative the club was proud of.

“It’s great to continue this hugely successful appeal," he said. "Our club is all about being part of the community at there’s no better time to come together and help others than at Christmas.”

The amount collected last year included a trolley dash by employees from Ulverston-based accountants JF Hornby around Asda.