YORKSHIRE Building Society colleagues in Chester are supporting their local food bank to make sure vulnerable families don't go hungry this Christmas.

The Society's branch on Bridge Street has become an official donation station for the West Cheshire Foodbank, which is part of the UK-wide Trussell Trust network.

Custard, instant mashed potato, UHT juice and milk are among the items most in need as well as tins of meat, fish, vegetables and fruit.

As well as basic food items, the society is also asking people to pop a festive treat or two in their shopping trollies to donate, especially those aimed at children and teenagers.

Louise Gregory, customer representative at Yorkshire Building Society's Chester branch, said: "A food parcel can mean the difference between a family starving and being able to enjoy a nutritious hot meal. We desperately want to do what we can to help the food bank support people this winter.

"The items the food bank needs aren't expensive but could make a huge difference so please donate what you can to our appeal."

West Cheshire Food Bank provides a lifeline to people in crisis by providing them with three-day emergency food parcels as well as practical support and advice.

Last year it gave out more than 7,800 food parcels to the most needy in the city to prevent them from going hungry.

Emma Greenwood, operations co-ordinator at West Cheshire Foodbank, said: "People joining the benefits system for the first time or transferring to Universal Credit often find themselves needing help for the first time. Pressure to provide a festive Christmas in a school holiday period without free meals adds strains to already stretched household budgets.

"Donating food to our collection points is a direct way to help people in crisis. We are grateful for Bridge Street branch's extra support and their commitment to eliminating food poverty."

The branch is open for donations between 9am and 5pm, Mondays to Fridays, between 9.30am and 5pm on Wednesdays and from 9am until noon on Saturdays. The collection will end on December 15.