Ely Foodbank has collected 10 tonnes of food over the last three months thanks to generous donations from shoppers and charitable organisations in Cambridgeshire.

The busy Harvest Festival period has seen the foodbank stores swelled with food from schools and churches and from donations made at supermarkets in Ely and March.

But almost all of the food collected has already been given out, with more than 8,500 meals supplied to struggling families.

Cathy Wright, project director at Ely Foodbank, said: “We continue to be astonished by the compassion and kindness shown by local people, including our volunteers.

“In the autumn we have been given 10 tonnes of food through harvest, supermarket standing collections and individual giving.

“Already more than nine tonnes has been given out, providing 8,500 meals to more than 850 local people who are finding difficulty in providing food for themselves and their families, and this has been supplemented at this time of year by Christmas treats and presented in gift bags to clients.

“So far, 30 gift bags have been distributed – with more to follow. Clients have been overwhelmed with the gifts and the forethought, as it is the treats that have to be missed off the lists when struggling to manage Christmas.

“We want to say a big thank you to all those who have given so generously, and provided incredible support.”

Foodbank opening times:

Tuesday: Ely 1-2.30pm at the Lighthouse Centre, in Lynn Road.

March 1-2.30pm at Powerhouse Church, in City Road car park.

Thursday: Soham 9.30-11am at the Salvation Army, in Bushel Lane.

Friday: Chatteris 10.30-11.30am at Emmanuel Church, in East Park Street.

Sutton 11am-12.30pm at The Glebe.

Ely 1-2.30pm at The Forum, in Barton Road.

For more information visit www.elyfoodbank.org.uk