A GREENOCK minister who has helped feed thousands of hungry people and offered new hope is moving on to pastures new.

Pastor Fraser Donaldson, who first took charge of the then-Elim Church aged only 25, was determined to take his ministry out into the community.

The dad-of-two was one of the first to spot the looming poverty crisis locally, and set up the Inverclyde Foodbank nearly nine years ago.

In that time he has led a movement which has helped 42,000 struggling families, residents and children, by giving 327 tonnes of emergency food parcels from donations by the public.

Along with the foodbank he established a whole support network after government welfare reforms plunged people into difficulties.

Fraser launched other projects like drugs recovery initiatives and offered life-saving financial advice services.

The Hope Community Church minister has also become a much-loved chaplain in local schools and his work has helped support children across the area in many capacities.

Now he is heading for a new post in Glasgow.

Fraser, 38, said: "I leave with very mixed emotions.

"It is incredibly emotional and it is very hard to leave.

"It is with great sadness but also excitement at a new challenge.

"I hope to take some of Inverclyde's incredible community spirit with me.

"This is my hometown.

"Inverclyde has the kindest and most caring people.

"It always comes together and people here care for one another and help each other when they need it most.

"I have worked with some of the most incredible people and that has never been so apparent than this year."

Since taking his first steps to ministry 20 years ago Fraser has had many highlights.

He started with 'Acts of Kindness' ministry, giving away flowers and wrapping presents at Christmas.

The scheme moved into the Oak Mall for a spell and created new ways to worship to attract young people.

Fraser also became involved with the setting up of the Inverclyde Christian Initiative, which organised events like God in the Park, Carols at Cappielow and the Civic Prayer Event.

As well as this the initiative set up the successful Street Pastors scheme, keeping partygoers in the town centre safe at night.

In 2012 came the church's own i58 project and with it the Inverclyde Foodbank, in partnership with the Trussell Trust.

The Tele was there for the launch when Fraser set out his vision to help those who couldn't afford to feed themselves or their children.

It has gone on to feed tens of thousands who otherwise would have went without, as well as helping with school uniforms, baby supplies, Christmas hampers, toy parcels, emergency fuel provisions and debt advice.

His work at the foodbank led to one of his greatest joys, his role as a school chaplain - first in Lady Alice, then at Kilmacolm, King's Oak, Aileymill and Newark primaries, as well as input in Inverclyde Academy.

He also served on the education committee with officers and elected members.

Fraser told the Tele: "I am a dad of two children, so I know schools are so important.

"It has been a privilege to see what goes on in our local schools.

"They are fantastic and have head teachers and staff who truly care about every single pupil and do their very best for them every day.

"They are inspirational places to be in.

"The education committee is the same and I have found that all our councillors as a whole truly care about their community and want the very best for the people they serve."