The St Ives branch of Morrisons Supermarket has been overwhelmed in the last week by the generosity of people donating to their charity foodbank collection service.

Store community champion Denise Gable said that they had typically been receiving a basket a week of donations from customers but, since a nationwide social media challenge among members of the travelling community began last Thursday, they have been able to donate 14 trolley loads to the St Ives Foodbank.

The foodbank challenge started in late November and supermarkets across the country have reported an excellent response, including Morrisons in St Ives.

“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity shown,” Denise said. “When the Rooney family arrived and bought four trolley-loads I had to go with them to deliver the shopping to the foodbank at St Ives parish hall as there was so much.”

Local builder Michael Rooney, 48, of Hemingford Grey, was one of those ‘nominated’ to take part in the challenge.

Mr Rooney, of MR Contractors, said: “It’s a fantastic cause and to help do something for those less fortunate than ourselves, especially at this time of the year when there are people much in need of help.

“As well as food we bought selection boxes and toiletries which is especially helpful at this time of the year. It’s a great thing to do and I would encourage others to do it if they can. We will save up and hopefully do it again in a few months’ time.”

Father Mark Amey said on behalf of the foodbank: “We are incredibly grateful for their generosity on behalf of all those people in our community who are most in need. The demand on the foodbank seems to be getting greater than ever.

“We don’t need the Christmas items so much. In the main, it is the everyday food stuffs, the more expensive items such as instant coffee or tinned meats. We ask anyone who is thinking of making donations to look on our website for advice.”

Michael was helped by his wife Missy, son Martin, daughter Bridget, and daughter-in-law Lily.

INFO: The St Ives Foodbank is open in All Saints Church every Tuesday and Friday, from 10.30am–midday.