THE work of the Okehampton Foodbank has been at the forefront of recent local and national news stories following the series of redundancies made in the town.

With continued uncertainty over the future for employees of Wiseman Dairies, the Foodbank is calling for further donations and help.

The Rev Barry Walton, treasurer of Okehampton Foodbank, expressed his gratitude for the help so far: 'We're grateful for the incredible response of the people of Okehampton and the surrounding communities.

'We want to say a big thank you to the individuals, families, organisations and companies who have recognised what we are trying to do, and have given us the resources to do it.

'You have been magnificent!'

The Foodbank was set up by Okehampton Baptist Church in conjunction with the Trussell Trust in October 2008, with the intention of helping families in crisis.

Staff and volunteers collect food for the charity from supermarket shoppers, schools and harvest festivals, as well as accepting financial donations.

Normally the food is then distributed in exchange for vouchers, which are handed out by doctors, health workers and social workers, among others.

The series of sudden closures in Okehampton led to the charity foregoing its normal procedures in February when demand for food parcels rocketed from one or two a week to around fifty.

The number of parcels being given out has dropped significantly in recent weeks, down to around 20 a week.

With the impending closure of the Robert Wiseman Dairies milk processing plant, demand for the parcels is expected to increase once more.

The decision to end production at the plant was taken following a 30-day formal consultation process, with the company asking staff and union representatives to express their opinions.

The closure could lead to 67 redundancies, although it is understood staff will be offered a relocation option.

Mr Walton stressed the need for further help: 'Later this month the employees of Wiseman's will be made redundant and we do not yet know how that will affect the needs that we are seeking to respond to.'

If you would like to help, the list of food needed can be found in the window of OK Leisure, on the corner of the Arcade. Donations can be left here, or at the Baptist Church on a Friday between 10am-2pm.

For further details on the Foodbank, visit http://www.okefoodbank.org.uk">www.okefoodbank.org.uk