A CHESTER-BASED charity which provides baby items to families is moving to a bigger home in the city.

KidsBank Chester has confirmed that it has signed a lease to take over the former Loves of Chester site in Garden Lane.

The new base, which will provide increased storage capacity and benefit from a dedicated community room, is set to open in September.

To mark the news, the charity has launched a new fundraising campaign – 'LovesSQUARED'.

It is appealing for businesses and individuals to support them with a donation of £54 per square metre towards the new space.

All of the money raised will go towards doubling their services and the care it provides.

KidsBank Chester operates much like a foodbank, but for clothes, toys and equipment for children up to the age of 12.

Families who urgently need essential equipment or clothing are referred to KidsBank by professionals such as health visitors or midwives.

Since launching in May 2019, KidsBank has helped over 1,250 children across Cheshire, Flintshire and Ellesmere Port.

Over the past year demand for its service has doubled – and the charity anticipates this to increase over the coming years with even more families urgently needing support.

Founder Cathy Pettingale said: “Just like with our donations of clothing and toys, LovesSQUARED is a gift from one family to another.

“Demand has increased significantly due to the impact of Covid-19 and we anticipate the needs increasing over the coming years with even more families needing our support.

“We are really excited about the new premises as we can help even more families across more geographical areas, and I can see it being a real hub in the local community.”

Together with increased storage capacity, the new home will benefit from a dedicated community room providing free space for local groups to meet and the addition of much-needed services, such as school uniform and maternity wear.