PERSONNEL from RAF Odiham have assisted Basingstoke foodbank moving to a new premises.

The seven crewmen from 27 Squadron helped in the transition of 12 tonnes of food stock and office furniture.

They managed to complete the mission in just eight hours, compared to an estimated duration of three days without the support.

At least 47 pallets of stock were stacked and loaded onto HGV's for shuttle runs, and comes after crew previously helped in the previous relocation in March 2019.

The Basingstoke Foodbank is a volunteer run organisation that provides year-round support to the residents of Basingstoke and the surrounding area. The service has seen a rapid increase in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst simultaneously facing the challenge of re-locating to a new location.

Master Aircrew Jim Fowler, a Senior Crewman on 27 Squadron said: “As per the Squadron’s involvement in the previous foodbank re-location, it was a pleasure and a privilege to be able to provide support to the local community, especially during the current situation.

"A humbling sense of achievement was felt by everyone involved and we are hugely thankful to the foodbank staff for the belt-fed brews and endless supply of chocolate that kept us going throughout!”