PUPILS at St Joseph's Primary School in Helensburgh are just one of a number of people who have helped Helensburgh and Lomond Food Bank this year.

Each class was tasked with bringing in an item to donate which amounted in a car full of donations being collected by food bank chairwoman Mary McGinley.

Mary was delighted to see so many donations and thanked all the children and staff for their help.

She explained that in the last year they have seen a 35 percent increase in demand and that every little helped.

Mary took the opportunity to not only thank the school for their help but everyone who has donated food items or money over the last year to allow the food bank to help those in need.

This year the food bank handed out 60 Christmas dinner boxes including everything people would need to celebrate, from soup to cranberry sauce and mints to finish the meal.

Mary said: "We have seen an increase in demand for the help of the food bank and I can't thank everyone enough for their kind donations, not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.

"We couldn't do it without the help and support we get.

"Last year we helped more than 2,500 individuals, over 600 of them children.

"We can help people who have found themselves in a crisis short term, whether it be a job loss or a marriage break-up, thanks to your donations."

Mary extended her thanks to the local businesses for their support including Greggs, Waitrose, the Co-op and Tesco.

She also extended her thanks to all the schools, churches, volunteers and organisations who have helped over the last year.

She said: "I can't put into words how much the support means. Donations of food items allow us to help, as do cash donations, which we can use to cover other costs.

"A huge thank you to everyone who has supported the food bank throughout 2017."

The food bank operates from the Red Cross Centre on East Princes Street on Monday and Friday mornings from 10am-12pm and Thursday nights from 6-8pm.

On Wednesdays the food bank operates from the Howie Pavilion in Rosneath from 1-3pm.

For more information on the food bank email helensburghfoodbank@gmail.com