A FOODBANK is pleading for donations after seeing a "significant rise" in the number of people who have come forward in need of help.

Since April, the Braintree Area Foodbank says it has had to hand out more than 20,000 meals to those who are in need of help across the district.

And the Braintree Area Foodbank is asking residents to give items which are specifically listed on its winter appeal list rather than Christmas food donations.

A spokesman for the foodbank said: "As fast as the donations have been coming in they are going straight out to those in need, which means we are very short on basic food items.

"Although Christmas food provides that extra special treat for those in crisis, the food in our parcels creates a meal that can be eaten on any day, not just at Christmas.

"Whether young or old, able bodied or disabled, all go hungry when they find themselves in crisis."

Earlier this month thieves broke into the foodbank and stole equipment and the van used by the team to collect and deliver donations.

The spokesman said: "We now need to focus on the winter appeal rather than the break in as food donations are vital and our stocks are not sustainable.

"The response from the public to the break in has been fantastic and we are so grateful for this.”

This year, the foodbank has drawn-up a list of ways in which residents might like to make donations to the group.

It includes a reverse advent calendar which sees participants collect items for 24 days and non-uniform days where cans or packets are donated rather than money.

A bring a tin to work day competition or donating £24 - £1 for every day of advent - have also been suggested.

For more information visit www.braintreearea.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/winter-appeal or email pr@braintreearea.foodbank.org.uk.

The Foodbank warehouse will be closed on Monday, December 24, so no deliveries or collections will be made.