VOLUNTEERS and businesses in the Tyne Valley have continued to support people in need during the most unprecedented year in living memory.

The vital role of West Northumberland Food Bank, which has been an essential service since 2013, has been heightened this year.

To help the food bank meet its demand in the run up to Christmas, Hexham Freemasons has donated £500 to the cause.

Hexham Freemason Colin Reader handed over £200 from Hexham Priory Lodge, along with a further £300 from Hexham-based Graham Reader Tyres.

Colin said: “The foodbank does a tremendous job, and everyone associated with Hexham Freemasons appreciates the work they do for our community.”

West Northumberland Foodbank is a charitaable organisation which works to prevent and relieve poverty across the Tyne Valley and beyond.

It provides emergency food supplies and related provisions to individuals in need, and also to charities or other organisations working to combat poverty.

The food bank’s extraordinary team of dedicated volunteers have made around 200 doorstep deliveries of food and gifts at Christmas.

A statement published alongside the food bank’s Christmas appeal read: “Christmas can be a very stressful time for people experiencing poverty, especially this year when so many households are turning to us for help for the first time.

“You can help by make Christmas a bit happier by donating gifts and food.”

Earlier this month, pupils at Prudhoe Community High School did their bit in support of the food bank.

The school held a Christmas jumper/colours day, where instead of bringing in money, students were encouraged to bring in food to be donated to families experiencing hardship over the festive period.

English teacher Yvonne Rushmere boosted the campaign by running a ‘guess the name of the beagle’ (knitted toy) competition and sold small, knitted bears.

West Northumberland Food Bank’s helpline closed on December 18, with last deliveries before Christmas taking place on December 21 and 22.

However, help remains available over the festive period.

Northumberland Communities Together HUB support is available over the Christmas and New Year Period on (01670) 620015 seven days a week between 9am to 6pm.

Northumberland Emergency Transition Support (NETS) is available on 0345 600 6400 or by calling the HUB.

The food bank is running a delivery only service for those who find themselves in poverty at this difficult time.

Public support remains vital to the service.

For more information on how to donate and get help visit https://www.westnorthumberlandfoodbank.org.uk/