INVERCLYDE Foodbank has delivered an amazing 12 tonnes of food to people in need since the start of the coronavirus lockdown.

This equals 7,590 meals for people on low incomes during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Fraser Donaldson, of the Hope Church i58 project which oversees the foodbank, says it has played a vital role.

He told the Telegraph: "Our help can cover someone with benefit issues but there are also newer people who are utilising the service from pressure due to the coronavirus.

"I remember a conversation with a senior council official who said that we were actually dealing with the most vulnerable people in Inverclyde.

"That is our focus and we will continue to support them through a number of agencies who signpost people to us."

The foodbank has fed more than 38,000 people since it started in 2012, giving out 290 tonnes of food and 220,670 meals.

Fraser says none of this would be possible without the generosity of the community.

He said: "All of those donations have come from people within the local community and this helps us to continue to support people who are vulnerable at this time during the Covid crisis and their financial crisis."

As well as food, the foodbank is providing sanitary and baby products and toiletries for people struggling to get by.

Fraser and the team want to thank everyone who has made a donation, including the following neighbourhoods who have made donations recently: Auchneagh Crescent, Dunlop Street, Killochend Drive, Cairncurran Court, Kilcreggan View, Finnart Street and Harbourside in Inverkip.

St Francis' Church in Port Glasgow is also making regular donations along with Inverclyde Vineyard Church, Mount Kirk and Greenock Morton have backed the drive too.

Fraser said: "We are overwhelmed by the level of support in the community."