THE Mayor and Mayoress of Winchester, Cllr Patrick Cunningham and Mrs Joy Cunningham, paid a visit to the Winchester Basics Bank to thank the volunteers for their invaluable work and time given to helping the people of Winchester and district.

They visited the charity’s bulk storage facility at the Vineyard Church and their centre on Milland Road, where clients collect food and clothing.

Volunteers have been sorting through the vast donations, making food packages, stocking shelves at their centres and delivering food to the most vulnerable around Winchester, to name some of the jobs done.

Since the nationwide lockdown started, the Basics Bank has been very busy dealing with a large increase in the number of requests for food support and in operating their service effectively whilst ensuring the social distancing.

A spokesperson said: “This has all only been made possible by the selfless volunteers and the huge volume of donations that have been made by the generous people of Winchester.

“The commendable effort of the Winchester Basics Bank has been acknowledged by the visit of the Mayor and Mayoress who were very impressed by what they were able to see for themselves.”

Details on how to donate food, money or clothes can be found on the charity’s website.

Volunteers can also sign up there, or call 01962 855774.