WORK on an important project to tackle one of Okehampton's hidden plights is nearly complete after a staggering fund- raising effort by its organisers.

Since the start of May this year, the organisers behind the Okehampton Food Bank have managed to raise more than £10,000 and the new scheme to provide free emergency food to those in crisis situations locally is gearing up to launch in October.

The food bank was recently awarded a £4,600 grant from Okehampton United Charities specifically for the purpose of preparing a warehouse where the food they collect will be stored.

Darren Pike, from the Okehampton Baptist Church who will be running the project, is delighted with the progress the project has made so far.

He said: 'It's so exciting for a community like Okehampton's. For us to have raised more than £10,000 is an affirmation that we're doing the right thing.

'We've had so many questions from people and we've talked to a lot of people to explain how it works.

'We've had great financial and verbal support and we're really grateful to Okehampton United Charities and all who have supported us.'

The food bank is hoping to launch on the weekend of Okehampton Carnival when it will have its own float with children dressed up as tins of food.

It will also be the recipient of the harvest appeal from all the churches in Okehampton and from Okehampton Primary School.

The project is being heavily supported by Okehampton mayor, Kay Bickley, and it is the mayor's charity for this year.

She said: 'There has been a lot of generosity from a lot of people.

'I'm very excited by it, it's an absolute necessity and we know there is a demand for it.

'I think the whole project has helped open some eyes as to what's behind closed doors and what can arise when there are delays in benefits.

'We've worked really hard and we're well on the road now, the funds are there to kick off and they are making good headway with the warehouse.'

The Okehampton Food Bank, the first one to be set up in Devon, will provide free emergency food to single people and families in crisis and is described as a project that can 'save and change lives.'

The food bank projects are a proven model that form part of a national network being run by the Trussell Trust, a Christian charity committed to fighting poverty with sustainable community projects.

The food bank receives food via donations and builds up a warehouse store of food products that can then be donated to the people who need them most.

As well as providing immediate need, the project will also be able to provide long term solutions by signposting individuals to appropriate agencies who will be able to offer a more permanent solution.

The food bank is now looking to bring more referral agencies online and any agency who works with people they feel would benefit from the food bank should contact Darren pike on 01837 54179 or [email protected]">[email protected]