MAY I express a very big thank you to the community of Okehampton and the surrounding villages for their generous response to our Okehampton Foodbank collection that took place outside Waitrose on November 24.

We are delighted to announce that we received nearly £280 in financial gifts and 145 kilograms of food (that is nearly three hundredweight in old money).

Whatever way you chose to give, we are very grateful, and we would assure you that we will do everything that is possible to ensure that your gifts are directed towards those who are in genuine need.

Last week, for the first time for many months, we gave out more than 20 parcels that will feed 36 adults and 13 children. If you wonder how there can be so much need in this day and age, then let me share with you that the main reason for people turning to us for help in 'delay in benefits'.

When there is a change in benefits, for whatever reason, it is not unusual for the person or family to be told that they will have to wait for two to three months before the new benefits are actually received.

So, thank you once again to all who continue to support us, and just a reminder that gifts of food and/or money can be taken to OK Leisure in Fore Street, or to the Baptist Church on a Friday between 10am and noon.

The Rev Barry L Walton

Okehampton Foodbank