A foodbank is urging members of the public to help stop local people going hungry by volunteering to a food collection.

Tomorrow (June 30), Loughton Foodbank starts a three-day donations drive at Tesco in Epping High Street.

The foodbank, which has been open for three years, needs volunteers to help collect the food.

Since opening it has provided more than 15,000 meals for Epping Forest people, including more than 6,300 to children.

Manager Heather Scholer said: ‘‘Anyone can find themselves in need of a foodbank.

“Every week we speak to people who never thought they’d face going hungry, but something unexpected happened, an illness, redundancy or the boiler breaking, and they were thrown into crisis.

“We’re glad we can be here to help, but our work can only continue because of the unfailing generosity of the community.”

The foodbank, part of the Trussell Trust network, is currently asking in particular for donations of sponge pudding, instant mash, chocolate, washing up liquid, women’s deodorant and shampoo.

To volunteer, email info@loughton.foodbank.org.uk or phone 07402 032 313.