A £30,000 fund has been set up to help foodbanks in Malvern deal with demand.

Organisations and community groups running foodbanks across Malvern will be able to draw from the pot of money if they find themselves overwhelmed by demand.

The move follows reports nationwide about the growing number of people using food banks as a result of changes to the benefits system.

There was also concern that while Malvern had good food bank provision, rural areas in the district may need additional support.

The money was agreed by Malvern Hills District Council's executive committee at a meeting last Tuesday (November 27).

Cllr David Chambers, leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: “I have seen for myself the fantastic work the volunteers at Malvern Hills Food Bank do and I’m also aware of other support being made available by church and community groups across the district.

“They receive tremendous support from the public and I am sure that will continue.

"However, we know in other parts of the country food banks are seeing large increases in demand.

"Should that happen here we want our food banks to know they have our support and the safety net of a fund they can call on should they need to.”

Peter Buchanan, chairman of Malvern Hills Food Bank, said: “We are very grateful to Malvern Hills District Council for their generosity in setting up this emergency fund.

"We hope we will be able to meet local needs without having to call upon it and that experience elsewhere may mean that the rollout of Universal Credit will be smoother for this area.

"It is a privilege to know we are part of such a caring community.”

Malvern Hills Food Bank is currently urgently in need of donations of tomato ketchup, sugar and long life milk as well as any food related Christmas luxuries.

The full list of items that can be donated, as well as drop-off locations, can be viewed at malvernhills.foodbank.org.uk.