CHURCHES and schools in Altrincham and Timperley have collected a massive two and a half tonnes of food for a foodbank to help feed people in need.

Altrincham Foodbank has been set up by the Anglican, Catholic and Methodist communities of Altrincham and it opened on November 9.

Ed Murphy, the foodbank project manager, said that when more people struggle to put food on the table, including hard working families, foodbanks are a practical and efficient way of helping. In 2011-12 over 45 000 children in the UK were fed by foodbanks.

They are run by volunteers for people who find themselves in crisis with no where else to turn to, added Ed.

Food can only be obtained with a voucher which is issued by agencies, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, who assess the applicant's needs. For more information see www.altrincham.foodbank.uk or email info@altrincham.foodbank.org.uk.