KINDHEARTED residents are being called upon to shed some pennies this Lent in aid of the Epping Forest Foodbank.

Starting the day after Shrove Tuesday, the foodbank is asking residents to put 40p in a jam jar each day for 40 days.

Come Easter, the £16 collected will become £20 with Gift Aid and go towards feeding some of those in the area who are struggling to make ends meet.

Heather Scholer, the foodbank's project manager, said: "Everyone can get involved and be as creative as they wish from the young to the the old. Every person can make a difference.

"With people struggling to afford food living locally, it is important that we can continue to support families in crisis throughout the Easter period.

"We provide essential emergency food, emotional support and practical advice to families who live near you and really need us.

"Or if you feel like challenging yourself to give something up during this period, why not donate the cost of what you save towards Epping Forest Foodbank?"

On March 31 participants are asked to bank their savings and send a cheque, made payable to Epping Forest Foodbank with Lent written on the reverse and a Gift Aid form attached, to Lent Appeal, c/o St Mary’s Church, 201 High Road, Loughton IG10 1BB

Go to eppingforest.foodbank.org.uk to find out more.