MORE than 1,000 people, or one in 70 of the towns's population, have been given help by the Malvern Hills Food bank over the last year, say organisers.

The bank, based at Spring Lane South, provided three days' emergency food to 1,657 people in the year up to March 31, compared to 1,513 in the previous six months, a rise of nine per cent.

And organisers say that, given figures over the last six months that 67 per cent of clients made just one visit to the bank and less than 15 per cent made more than two visits, just over 1,000 individual adults and children were helped in the year.

Nationwide, Trussell Trust foodbanks provided emergency food to over 1,000,000 people in 2014-15, compared to 900,000 the previous year.

At the Malvern Hills foodbank, the top three reasons for foodbank referral were benefit delay (28 per cent) low income (21 per cent) and benefit change 16) per cent.

Chairman Chris Bray said: "The latest figures released show an overall increase over the last twelve months which is not predicted to fall in the near future, due to a number of factors including the possible implementation of the Universal Credit System.

"It must be emphasised that clients only receive food parcels when presenting a voucher, issued by one of our registered referral agencies, to the food bank or to one of our other centre outside our opening hours."

Last year local people donated 22 tonnes of food and non-food items, and over 70 people volunteered at the food bank and at supermarket collections. Schools, businesses and faith groups also provided vital support.

“I would like to thank all those who have generously donated food items and financial gifts," said Mrs Bray. "My thanks also go to our dedicated team of volunteers who have given their time, skills and experience to ensure the smooth running of the food bank, in addition to the important role of signposting clients to the many groups and organisations that provide such excellent help to our community in a variety of ways.”

As well as providing emergency food, the food bank also provides essentials like washing powder, nappies and hygiene products to families who are at struggling point.