COUNCILLORS have applauded the hardworking volunteers behind a busy Bishop Auckland foodbank.

Jean Clarke runs the Woodhouse Close Church foodbank on Woodhouse Close Estate with a team of helpers.

The group handed out food parcels in 540 cases last year and Mrs Clarke expects the next 12 months to be as busy as ever.

Speaking at the Bishop Auckland Town Council meeting on Tuesday, she said: “We are in the 102nd most deprived ward out of more than 32,000 in the country so there is obviously some demand. We work to support people from all different backgrounds.

“Often we help out with people who are waiting for money to come through. Sometimes it takes longer than expected.”

Mrs Clarke believes she has enough funding for the next 12 months however food donations are invaluable as they have no way of knowing exactly how many people will need help.

Councillor John Lethbridge said: I take a couple of tins down when I can and although this is not enough, if everyone did this it would make a huge difference.

“I would like to express my gratitude to Jean for all the work she does.”

Councillor Sam Zair added: “I think you (Jean) are doing a fantastic job. You are supporting vulnerable people out there. It is thanks to you and your team that so many people are getting help.”