FOOD BANK volunteers say they have received a record-breaking number of autumn donations to help hard-up families.

Brighton Food Bank received enough to feed hundreds of people at its front door after a harvest festival appeal.

In total 4.9 tonnes of vital groceries has been handed over by the public. Now organisers hope donations will continue to come in to beat last year’s overall total of 6.8 tonnes.

They say they are regularly helping as many as 80 people very week, and the number continues to grow.

But the charity has had support from schoolchildren, churches, and the public.

Organisers said: “We are so extremely thankful. It is exciting to see schools celebrating harvest festivals, bringing in tins to display at assembly halls.

“The 6.8 tonnes of food donated last autumn would only support 20 per cent of those who need us throughout the year.

“Many food items such as tinned meat and fish go very quickly, so while we are thankful for people’s generosity, we still need donations to help those facing crisis in our city.”

To find out more visit www.bhcm.org.uk.