The reality of the cost of living crisis was demonstrated in part of Bournemouth this week, with dozens queueing outside a church giving away free food to those in need.

A long queue of people formed down Winton high street on Tuesday, for the twice-weekly church event where surplus food is given to people struggling.

One resident waiting outside Winton Christadelphian Church said she had been waiting nearly four hours, having been sat outside since 7.30am.

Read more: Cost of living crisis UK: Our mission to help you save money

The church was giving out surplus food for free, plus a lunch bag and a drink, to people who needed it. 

Helen Walker, who was first in line after waiting from half seven in the morning, said she needed to get the food because of money issues.

She added: “We’re all in the same boat. It’s nice to come here and have a chat and make friends.

A lot of people were at the church for the free food.

Read more: Food banks issue warning over fuel and food poverty

“It doesn’t bother me coming here in the slightest. Sometimes it’s the only positive thing to happen.

Helen said the volunteers at the church are “great”, adding they helped her on Christmas Eve when she had a panic attack.

Another person waiting in the queue was Mr O’Neill, who had previously served in the armed forces for 38 years. He said: “It’s my first time here today.

“Social services told me to come here because I’ve had no help since leaving the army. 

“I feel nervous about coming here, but this is what the world has come to.  

"Superstores could do more like having an aisle where things which would be wasted are sold for 10p. I would use that.” 

Fresh food was available for people who need it.

Read more: Over 10,000 emergency parcels handed out at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole food banks

Mary Woodgate, who has been volunteering for 15 months, said: “We need to open the doors to help the people that come in for food.  

“The queue keeps growing and when you hear their stories, particularly now with people struggling to pay for gas and electric bills, some of them say they haven’t eaten for a whole weekend.  

“It’s important that we keep our doors open and build friendships with people in Winton high street.” 

Greggs had donated many pastries and sweet treats for those in need

Read more: Visitors to food banks reveal real reasons people are forced to go

Volunteer Norman Stock added: “Foodbanks do a good job but they have a limit on who they can help. 

“There is an undercurrent of people who have a serious need.  

“We’ve had real stories of people who say that without this, they wouldn’t have fed their kids tonight. The need is there.”