Families and individuals struggling to make ends meet will have food to eat this Christmas thanks to the generosity of customers at Tesco Helston.

More than 1.7 tonnes of food was collected over Friday and the weekend, when volunteers and staff from the Helston and Lizard Foodbank set up a stand in the entrance to the supermarket.

Foodbank coordinator Ruth McGurk said: "This event could only happen because of the generosity of so many people giving up their time to this worthwhile cause.

"I do not want to mention anyone in person as the list is extensive. Having said that, a thank you must be given to Izzy Maitland and the 2nd Helston Guides and Rangers for organising the whole day on Saturday; we couldn’t manage without their input."

She also thanked MP Derek Thomas for taking time out of his schedule on Friday to visit and help promote the cause.

Mrs McGurk added: "The biggest thank you must of course go to the people in our community who gave so generously, especially at this time when finances are stretched to the maximum.

"Due to this generosity many people will have food to eat over the Christmas period and beyond."

The Foodbank in Wendron Street will be open over Christmas, between 10am and 2pm on December 23, from 10am until 12.30pm on December 28 and 30, and from 10am until 2pm on January 4.

People must be referred by a person in authority, such as a doctor, policeman or vicar, although anyone struggling can still call in to the Open Door Cafe for advice at any time.