LARGS Foodbank has more than quadrupled its number of volunteers in recent weeks after an online recruitment drive.

A total of 20 extra locals are now giving up their time to help sort and pack much-needed items for those less fortunate in the town.

Foodbank spokesperson Simon Dell has praised residents for answering their urgent call for help in such huge numbers.

He said: “We were really struggling for volunteers so we put out a message on Facebook and within a week we had 20 people signed up.

“We’ve got some pupils from the high school that have volunteered through to some retired residents as well.

“We haven’t had to put out a call for volunteers for a while and people just wanted to help out in the community.

“We can’t thank the people of Largs enough for answering the call and it helps keep this vital service going.”

Simon says the service is braced for a possible influx of residents following a number of cuts to vital support including the recent removal of the temporary £20 Universal Credit increase.

He explained: “We know that there will be a choice for many in the area this winter between eating and heating.

“There will be a triple whammy with benefit cuts, heating increases and cost of living increases, and there’s also a national insurance increase too.

“When you are getting £60 or £80 then the Universal Credit cut is a quarter of your income, not many people can afford to lose that overnight.

“We’re reasonably well stocked here so we will hopefully be able to fill in the gaps that the cuts are going to create.”

Simon has praised the Largs community for its ongoing support and is urging residents to keep donating to the service during the Christmas and winter period.

He added: “The people of Largs are brilliant, we empty the trolley in Morrisons three times a week and we also take in collections from other shops.

“We feel that if we could deal with the need during the first lockdown then we can deal with anything.

“Our numbers are down on the peak during the first lockdown, we were seeing about 35 families and singles a week, and it’s now about 20.

“We’re planning lots of initiatives at Christmas too including giving out presents to families and residents in need.”

Visit the Largs Foodbank on Facebook for further information and to find out how you can help.