A FOODBANK that was temporarily set up to provide support for families in Crewe and the surrounding areas is to stay open indefinitely.

Crewe Christian Concern set up the project in 2013 and had initially planned to close it down after 12 months, but this was extended for a further year and then extended again.

In the last three years the project, which has been supported by Bentley Motors, has seen 40,000 meals given out to nearly 4,500 people in need.

Referrals to the foodbank have increased significantly over the last year with the scheme helping people who have experienced a change in their circumstances.

The foodbank provides food parcels to get them through a period where they have no other income.

With support for the foodbank higher than it's ever been, the decision was made to keep the foodbank open on a permanent basis.

Rob Wykes, director at Crewe Christian Concern, which operates out of St Paul’s Church in Hightown, said: “Our foodbank project has been a huge success to date and we’d like to extend our thanks to both Bentley Motors, who are great advocates for social responsibility and Cheshire Community Foundation, who are great facilitators.

“Together, we’re making a difference.”

The foodbank has been facilitated by Cheshire Community Foundation, who have brought together businesses such as Bentley who wanted to invest in the project.

Sally Hepton, director of corporate social responsibility at Bentley Motors in Crewe, said: “Crewe Christian Concern has grown tremendously in recent years.

“It’s helped a lot of people and we’ve been very pleased to support it.”

“It’s through Cheshire Community Foundation that we were able to find Crewe Christian Concern.

“I think most companies want to get out there and do something in their communities but can struggle with where to start.

“We’ve worked with Cheshire Community Foundation for the last four years and trust the service they provide us.”