A PORT Glasgow foodbank has fed more than 200 people since it re-opened at the end of June.

Church Angels, which is run by a dedicated team of volunteers, say their help is needed more than ever following the coronavirus crisis.

The service relies on donations and it is based at Port Glasgow United Reformed Church.

Margaret Wilson, who has been a volunteer since the foodbank was launched in 2011, said: "Our church treasurer at that time worked in the social work department and people used to come in and ask if there was anywhere they could ask for food.

"Our minister David Walton started the foodbank."

Church Angels is not referral-led and they don't ask any questions about the people they are helping apart, from their names and contact details and how many people are in the family.

Unfortunately they were unable to operate during lockdown but have been very busy since the re-opened.

The team now prepare bags of groceries in advance and open up the church hall on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10am-noon.

The minimum spend on a bag of food is £17 and they include basics such as cereal, soup, beans, tined vegetables, pasta, milk, rice, tinned fruit, tea, coffee and biscuits.

Margaret, 77, said: "We have helped 172 adults and 52 adults since we opened back up.

"We use to help on average 50 people a month and are seeing a bit more just now."

She says that changes made to benefits and the end of the furlough scheme will take its toll on struggling local families.

But as well as material need they meet people who seek company, someone to talk to.

The group plan to set up tables with tea and coffee so people can also sit and have a chat if they wish when they pop in.

Reverend Susan Henderson, who serves the three united reformed churches in Inverclyde, said: "If people are in here talking to us it means they don't have to heat their homes for an hour, which is obviously on people's minds just now with the increase in gas and electricity costs."

Carol McNicol, 62, one of the12-strong team of volunteers, said: "We help mixed families, people caring for families and people living on their own.

"Some people come in every week."

Church Angels receives donations from the three united reformed churches, Port Glasgow New Parish Church, Hamilton Bardrainney, Kilmacolm Old Kirk and Giffnock URC, as well as other organisations and individuals.

Their volunteers come from all denominations and are keen to help.

Margaret said: "It's all about giving back to the community."