ALRESFORD Methodist Church and local MP Steve Brine are promoting this year’s harvest brown bags campaign which seeks to raise the profile of people who are struggling to cope in the constituency.

Mr Brine joined Rev Dawn Carn on Monday morning (September 22) to distribute the bags, which they hope townsfolk will fill with basic groceries in the coming weeks.

“It’s a really simple but effective idea,” said Rev Dawn. “Each carrier bag comes complete with a shopping list of foodstuffs and cleaning materials, which we are asking people to fill and these donations will then be passed on to Basics Bank, Winchester Nightshelter and Christian Kitchen. Ideally we would like the bags returned to the church during Saturday September 27 but we are very happy to provide a collection service.”

Mr Brine said: “Alresford is such a generous community and I know last year’s Brown Bag appeal managed to do so much to help these local charities which really need our help. I hope we can double that effort this year. We are asking everyone to take a look in their kitchen cupboards this Harvest time for things like a tin of soup, a bag of flour, or a packet of biscuits, which will then be passed on to those who really need our help.”

The Methodist Church, in Jacklyns Lane, is inviting people to visit on Saturday September 27 to return their bags. Doors will be open from 9.30 -12.30am for refreshments and a chance to view some of the scarecrows scattered around the town.

To claim your Brown Bag and appeal Shopping List contact Rev Dawn Carn on 01962 735278 or email revdawn@ministers.plus.com.