THE number of families desperate for emergency food aid in the Wareham area has increased substantially over the past year, charity workers have confirmed.

Wareham Food Bank has come under increasing pressure to distribute food parcels to people in need, especially during the festive season.

Purbeck District Council (PDC) staff recently donated tins, cartons and packets of food to the organisation, which are now being handed to needy residents across the district.

Volunteers at the food bank - a charity organised by Churches Together, Wareham & Purbeck - are eager for more donations to meet rising needs.

Purbeck Gateway Church Pastor Paul Shepherd told the Daily Echo: “The need has grown, that is the reality. These are just genuine people who have hit difficult times and don't have any food. They just need to be supported.”

Lynn Crabb, of Churches Together, revealed seven or eight parcels are delivered to people in the Wareham area, who have been identified as “in need” by health professionals, councils and youth centres, every week.

PDC leader Cllr Gary Suttle said: “Council staff started their collection in October and their generosity has been tremendous.

“The food bank is a fantastic service and local volunteers give up their free time to organise it . I am proud that staff took it upon themselves to help.”

There are opportunities throughout Purbeck to donate food, with Purbeck Churches, children's Sure Start centres, the WI and individuals all doing their bit, said a PDC spokesman.

The Wareham Food Bank is also preparing Christmas hampers to pass on to families in crisis. As well as food, these hampers will contain toys and items suitable for children aged 1-14.

To donate, gifts or non-perishable food can be left at the following locations: Wareham Parish Hall, Sure Start children's centres in Wareham & Bovington.