Co-op food stores will serve-up a food “mount-tin” of support for the Truro Foodbank as part of its St Piran’s Day celebrations.

St Piran was the inspiration behind the move which has seen the community retailer launch the appeal with a £250 shopping basket of tinned groceries. The Co-op is now taking donations in its food stores in Boscawen Road and Station Road in Perranporth; Kings Road, St Mawes and, Boscawen Street, Truro. In addition to tinned potatoes and other tinned fruit and veg, the foodbank is also appealing for long life juices and toiletries.

Bob Girvan, foodbank manager, said: “Winter can be a difficult time for the more vulnerable in our community and so we need to maintain the momentum that we have seen. We are delighted with the support from the Co-op.

"It builds awareness and extends our reach, giving more people an opportunity to consider making donations. It is only with the help of the community that we’re able to continue our work. We would love for there not to be a need for the foodbank, but whilst there are people facing crisis in and around Truro, we will continue to offer emergency support.”

Martin Trethewey, area manager for the Co-op, added: “As a community retailer we are pleased to support the foodbank and its work to make a difference to the lives of people locally who are in difficulty. We have extended the number of our stores in the area which support the foodbank, and we would like to say thank you to our members and customers whose generous donations will make a huge difference to people in need in our community.”