MORE than 4,000 people have been helped since 2011 thanks to the team of volunteers at Launceston Foodbank and wider community.

The foodbank and charity shop is still helping people from all kinds of backgrounds on a daily basis. Since its opening in November 2011, the team has helped 4,368 people in crisis.

Foodbank chairman, Helen Bailey said: "The support from the Launceston Community still amazes everyone at the foodbank."

Manager Karen Milne and administrator Lorraine Conway along with the many volunteers ensure the food is rotated and very little waste due to out-of-date items.

Helen said support from churches, schools, supermarkets and many others has been 'wonderful'.

"As well as the wider community, for instance Rotary Interact Club at Launceston College made a fantastic contribution recently with the can drive they held, this donated 1,741 tins to the foodbank.

"Helping people at a very vulnerable time and signposting to other agencies is a very hard but a rewarding job, the volunteers who do this are an amazing group of people."

To ensure the foodbank could go some way to be self-funding the decision to open a charity shop was made and opened in March this year.

The shop, also on Newport Industrial Estate, is managed by volunteer, charity shop manager Mary Ann Colverson, who, alongside volunteers, organises stock, price and shop layout.

"Again another group of amazing group of people," said Helen.

Money raised in the shop and other fundraising activities ensure the running costs of the foodbank are covered and the team hopes the project can be developed further in the future.

Since opening the shop, £5,200 has been raised.

"A figure we had not expected to achieve in such a short space of time, after set up costs and rent were deducted, £2,000 will go towards the foodbank and now more each month after rent.

"Thank you to all those who donate items of clothing, furniture, to the shop and to those who come in and purchase from the shop."

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.