RYEDALE now looks set to be the latest area to have its own food bank.

During yesterday’s digital poverty forum, Ryedale Voluntary Action revealed a food bank was planned to be set up in Malton.

The news came as it was reported more than 350,000 people turned to food banks for help last year – almost triple the number to receive food aid in the previous year.

The Trussell Trust said the dramatic increase in the use of its food banks was set to continue as poorer families struggled to cope financially in the wake of welfare reforms.

The trust has 345 food banks, but said there is insufficient capacity nationally and between 400 and 650 more are needed to meet demand.