AN EVENT to continue support for a local foodbank brought the community together to raise hundreds of pounds.

Following the difficulties of the ongoing cost of living crisis, thousands more people have been attending the Atherton and Leigh foodbank compared with recent years.

With the local foodbank set up 10 years ago under the national Trussel Trust brand, a coffee morning event took place on Friday, June 30 to raise vital funds and awareness of the beloved organisation.

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Leigh Journal: Volunteers Dorothy Eglinton, Paul Blinkhorn, and Val LyneVolunteers Dorothy Eglinton, Paul Blinkhorn, and Val Lyne (Image: Paul Blinkhorn)

Bringing together local residents, volunteers, and councillors, the coffee morning raised £300 for the foodbank, which will help to purchase much-needed food and essential items.

John Harding, councillor for Atherton South and Lilford, said: "It was a great pleasure to attend the Coffee morning to support Atherton and Leigh Foodbank.

"The work done by all involved in delivering this vital help to our local residents who find themselves most in need at critical times in their lives is outstanding.

"Even the smallest donation of food by members of the public will help the Foodbank support those most in need."

Leigh Journal: Andy Burnham with volunteers at the foodbankAndy Burnham with volunteers at the foodbank (Image: Atherton & Leigh Foodbank)

Back in February, the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham formally opened the 'Financial Inclusion Hub' at the foodbank, which provides free financial inclusion advice and support to clients.

Running in addition to the organisation's food donation project, the hub will help struggling clients get their lives back on track and try to reduce the urgent need for food banks in the area.

After the recent coffee morning, Labour candidate for Leigh Jo Platt added: "It was great to visit Atherton Parish church for their Tea for Trussell event, the level of commitment to assist the food-bank from volunteers and members of the community is incredible, especially in such uncertain times."

With the public encouraged to continue donating food items, the main hub fo the Atherton and Leigh foodbank is at Atherton Parish Church on Market Street. Other foodbank drop off points are at Kinsleigh Methodist Church in Leigh, Leigh Baptist Church and Atherton Baptist Church.