A SECOND fun run in aid of Bournemouth’s food banks is being arranged amid a rise in demand.

Last May the first Mayor’s Food Bank Fun Run saw entrants donate food instead of cash before running for 2k, 4k or 8k from Boscombe seafront.

And plans are underway to hold the event again in the light of the Daily Echo’s story about 250 families now needing help in Bournemouth every week.

The mayor, councillor Rod Cooper and deputy mayor, cllr Phil Stanley-Watts, are both looking ahead to this year’s event.

Cllr Cooper said: “I would absolutely like to put my stamp on it. It’s a great shame that the food banks are necessary in this day and age.”

The idea for the fun run originally came from Kinson North cllr Amedeo Angiolini after an injury ruined his plans to run a half-marathon for the same cause.

Families who qualify for food bank parcels are allowed to use the service three times over six months, with each collection lasting around three days.

Cllr Stanley Watts, whose ward is Boscombe West, said: “There’s a family in my ward who had quite a bit of money behind them before, but now need the food bank.

“It can happen to any family, especially if they get into debt.”

Cllr Watts said the fun run is expected to take place in May again this year.

“These food banks are a lifeline and are used by families, often where parents have lost jobs,” he added.

“When I meet families on my ward who have fallen on hard times it brings the problem closer to home.”