THE foodbank in Worcester has launched its annual appeal for help at Christmas.

The foodbank is asking members of the public and organisations to help them make a difference to lives by providing dried and tinned food, ingredients and toiletries.

Items requested by the foodbank include tinned potatoes, UHT fruit juice, crackers, peanut butter, sugar, mashed potato, jam, tinned meat, tinned fruit and sponge puddings.

A full list of items is available on the foodbank's website at worcester.foodbank.org.uk/

READ MORE: Foodbank users praise "lifeline" as demand skyrockets

The foodbank, in Lowesmoor Wharf, is open from 11am until 2pm each Monday, Wednesday and Friday (excluding bank holidays)

Last week, the Worcester News reported how foodbank usage in the region had risen following the introduction of Universal Credit.

Users of the foodbank praised the "lifeline" it provides as the Trussell Trust chief executive Emma Revie said: “Our benefits system is supposed to protect us all from being swept into poverty, but currently thousands of women, men and children are not receiving sufficient protection from destitution.

"This is not right."

“This General Election, all political parties must pledge to protect people from hunger by ensuring everyone has enough money for the basics."