MP SIR George Young re-visited Andover’s foodbank after opening it eight years ago.

The MP returned to the service, based in St John the Baptist Church, on Friday. (28) Since opening, Andover foodbank has broadened its reach and supplies a number of outlets in Test Valley, but also in parts of Wiltshire and Basingstoke and Deane.

There are 70 registered volunteers who give up their time to keep the foodbank going.

Sir George said: "Nearly 6,000 people were helped by the Andover foodbank in 2013, an increase of 29 per cent on the previous year.

“The principle cause of demand for the foodbank was benefit delay.

“As the local MP, I will, of course, do all I can to help people whose benefit has been held up, as I know that this can cause great problems."

Sir George was told that, because of the increase in the scale of the operation, the foodbank needed additional warehouse capacity and has recently leased space in West Portway. This is putting pressure on costs, and so the foodbank is looking for funding.

To donate or for further information about the foodbank, visit www.andoverfoodbank.org.uk or call 01264 362111.