RYEDALE Food Bank marked its first anniversary on Saturday with an open day .

Held at Hope Central, in Malton, people were invited to call in and find out more about the work of the food bank and how it has benefited nearly 800 people since the launch.

Over £1,000 was also raised through co-ordinator Lesley Hurley's ‘To Be Bald Or Not To Be Bald’ challenge with £202 pledged towards having her head shaved and £814 against.

Lesley said: "I managed to keep my hair in the end which was quite a relief as I had been on edge all week.

"The open day went well with people calling in to find out more and hopefully spreading the word."

Lesley said the money would be used on the food bank's infrastructure.

"We are looking at getting a van so we can get out to people who aren't able to come to the food bank in Malton or Pickering," she added.

"It is also hoped to expand into southern Ryedale and the Wolds area."

Lesley said they were always in need of more volunteers and food donations.

"We have a great band of helpers but we could always do with more, particularly now when people are on holiday," she added.

Ryedale Food Bank is open at Hope Central, Castlegate, Malton, Wednesday, 10am - 12noon & Friday, 1.30 -3.30pm and Potter Hill Methodist church, Pickering, Tuesday, 1.30 - 3pm & Thursday, 4 - 6pm.

Food donations can be left at various locations including the Gazette & Herald office, 22 Yorkersgate, Malton, and Hope Central, Castlegate, Malton.

For more information phone 01653 697796 or email ryedalefoodbank@gmail.com