RYEDALE Foodbank has had an 'overwhelming' response from churches and schools across the area through their harvest festival collections.

Coordinator Lesley Hurley said volunteers had worked extra hours to clear the amount of donations made to the Malton-based foodbank.

She said: "This year's donations to Ryedale Foodbank have been overwhelming - sometimes literally overwhelming "Our warehouse volunteers have worked extra shifts to clear the huge donations, so a massive thank you to them for their dedication and stamina."

Lesley said they had been given from so many churches and schools throughout Ryedale that it would be impossible to name them all.

"I would like to say an enormous thank-you to everyone who contributed on behalf of the clients who will soon receive that food," she added.

"It is wonderful to see the age old tradition of giving thanks to God for blessing us with a bountiful harvest inspiring a new generation to thoughtfully share with others less fortunate Lesley said: "A modern day slant on "Harvest Home" for a modern day need in our community."

"However, if I may paraphrase "Foodbanks are not just for Harvest", the spectre of crisis is an all year round problem for some members of our society."

Lesley said they were now appealing for particular items including Christmas items like Advent calendars, crackers, Christmas puddings and Christmas cake to give out in December.

"Every donation is appreciated and we would like to hank you everyone for their support," she added.

Ryedale Foodbank volunteers will be bag packing at Morrisons, Malton on December 4.

Anyone who would like more information about Ryedale Foodbank or would like someone to give a talk to their group or club or to get involved as a volunteer should contact Lesley Hurley at ryedalefoodbank@gmail.com or phone 01653 228118 or 697796