A foodbank helping the needy requires more volunteers to help pick up and organise donations as they aim to expand operations.

Since opening in June 2013, the Loughton Foodbank, which is run from sites in The Broadway and St Mary’s Church in High Road, has provided emergency food parcels for more than 800 people, including 250 children.

The foodbank's mission statement is to ‘restore hope and dignity to those on the borderline of poverty’.

They received nearly 3000kg of donated food and toiletry items between Harvest and Christmas, distributing nearly all of it.

As they expand they are seeking volunteers preferably with access to their own vehicles to help collect large donations for their Saturday and Wednesday shifts at the Restore Community Centre, in The Broadway and St Mary's Church in High Road.

They are also looking for volunteers, aged over 18, to work within the warehouse to help with stock rotation, replenishing empty crates on shelves with donations and maintaining the site.

To volunteer, donate or find out more information email volunteer@loughton.foodbank.org.uk.